Failure to learn the language, an isolated figure in the team and getting hammered by the Spanish media, Gareth Bale has been more of an isolated figure in the dressing room.
Four Champions League titles, over 100 goals since his arrival, with three of them being scored in the finals of the UCL, it is difficult to imagine why Bale has struggled so much to win over the Madrid fanbase.
Where has it gone wrong for ex-Tottenham star?
No more a guaranteed starter
Lucas Vazquez
After the departure of Cristiano Ronaldo to Juventus, Bale was regarded as the heir to the throne.
Vinicius Junior
Once part of the much famed and Real Madrid’s fearsome attacking trident, the “BBC” (Bale, Benzema and Cristiano Ronaldo), Bale has lost his place to Lucas Vazquez, who has replaced the Welshman due to his high work-rate, and Vinicius Junior on the left, a young 18 year old who has been a revelation this season.
Injuries. Injuries. And more injuries.
Don't get me wrong, Bale is an outstanding player who can do great things but after suffering numerous injuries and being sidelined 23 times in his Real Madrid career, he has lacked continuity.
This was the same reason former manager Zinedine Zidane lost faith in him. He was never the same player he once was.
Alien in the dressing room
Failure to learn Spanish for six years, Bale has been an alien in the dressing room.
Then we have Courtois’ words and Marcelo’s recent mocking. Courtois in a recent interview revealed that Bale's nickname in the dressing room is ‘the golfer’ and does not meet up for team dinners. Then there is Marcelo who joked about Bale's problems and how they both communicate through gestures.
Time is running out fast for Bale. After being jeered and whistled at the Santiago Bernabeu last night in the El Clasico, it looks like the Madridstas don't have any affection for Bale.
Bale could be sold in the summer as it is looking highly likely that Real may break the bank to sign a few galacticos, but it depends on how the season finishes. Football changes with every game. With Real Madrid out of the race for La Liga Bale still has the opportunity to make a decisive impact in Real Madrid’s Champions League campaign.
