Martino hits out over Bale fee

Barcelona coach Gerardo Martino is critical of the record-breaking transfer fee Real Madrid are reportedly poised to spend on Gareth Bale.

Madrid look set to smash the £80m they paid to Manchester United for Cristiano Ronaldo in 2009 to bring Bale to the Bernabeu, with reports suggesting the transfer could cost around £93m.

Martino, who took charge of Primera Division champions Barcelona this summer, believes those figures for the 24-year-old Wales international show a “lack of respect” bearing in mind the global financial situation.

“He’s a very good player, but the numbers seem to me almost a lack of respect for the world in general,” said the Argentinian when asked his thoughts on the subject at today’s pre-match press conference ahead of Barca’s trip to Malaga tomorrow.