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'Bale speaks perfect Spanish, he's just shy' - ex-Wales boss Coleman slams 'unfair' criticism of Real Madrid star

Despite playing an important role in much of the club's recent successes, the winger has never really been accepted by the Blancos' fanbase

Former Wales boss Chris Coleman has taken aim at Gareth Bale's detractors at Real Madrid, insisting that suggestions that the attacker refused to learn Spanish at a high level in order to better integrate with his team-mates is simply not true.

Bale's Madrid career has been one of dramatic highs and depressing lows with the winger scoring a plethora of incredible – and important – goals for the club during his time at the Santiago Bernabeu, while also never truly being accepted by the club's fanbase.