Coleman hails Bale return for Wales after Real drama

Chris Coleman hailed Gareth Bale’s commitment to Wales after the world’s most expensive player raced back from his unveiling at Real Madrid to join up with the national squad ahead of the World Cup qualifiers against Macedonia and Serbia.

The 24-year-old’s protracted record-breaking €100m move from Tottenham to the Spanish giants was finally confirmed on Sunday, and the following day saw him presented to more than 20,000 Real fans at the Bernabeu.

The winger could have been forgiven for wanting to stay in the Spanish capital to soak up the experience of becoming one of the club’s ‘Galacticos’, but instead he had already informed Wales boss Coleman he would be catching a flight back to Britain and linking up with the national squad that night.

Wales’ hopes of qualifying for next summer’s finals are all but over, yet Bale considered it important he turn up for his country, and Coleman believes he is a shining example to his team-mates.

He said: “If we are to get better and climb the rankings, we need all our players here. Even if they have little knocks, or are maybe being put under pressure by their managers, we need them to be strong and to say they are turning up.

“That is what Gareth has done. If it’s good enough for him, it’s good enough for all of us.

“I’m delighted with his attitude but it doesn’t surprise me. I know the type of lad he is, he is passionate about Wales.

“The fact he called me to say he was on his way to Real Madrid, and he had the unveiling to do, but then he would be catching a flight back (to join the Wales squad), speaks volumes for him.”