Gareth Bale is somewhat of an enigma, brilliant on the pitch and yet somehow not a favourite of Real Madrid fans. Thibaut Courtois has revealed why Bale's time in the Spanish capital hasn't been as good as it could have been.
When Gareth Bale became the latest 'Galactico' at Real Madrid in 2013 he became the world's most expensive transfer and was expected to make a huge impression at the Bernabeu.
Bale was viewed as the next great player at Real, who would eventually take over from Cristiano Ronaldo as the team's main man, and whilst there have been moments of pure class it's never quite worked out for him.
His relationship with Ronaldo wasn't great at times, especially when the Welshman was on form, and the fans have never warmed to the former Spurs winger.
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Recently teammate Marcelo revealed that, despite being in Spain for nearly six years, the 29 year old Welshman barely speaks any Spanish.
Now teammate Thibaut Courtois has further stuck the boot in. In an interview with Belgian outlet HLN, via the Mirror, the goalkeeper was asked for a take on his teammates.
Most were given pretty good compliments but asked about Bale the former Chelsea keeper simply referred to him as 'The Golfer.'
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The Belgian did elaborate on Bale, adding, "It is very hard to describe Gareth in one word.
"I would say he has so much talent, but that it is such a shame that so often that talent is blocked from shining."
The other week most of the Real squad were pictured having a team dinner together but Bale, along with Toni Kroos, was missing.
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Courtois, who moved back to Madrid last summer from the Premier League, went on to explain why the former Southampton man was missing, saying, "I live like somebody who is born and bred in Madrid. I eat late, I go bed late...it is their way of life.
"The other night we had a dinner with the entire squad. "But Bale and (Toni) Kroos did not turn up. They reckoned the dinner was too late at night.
"We had arranged to be in the restaurant at 9.30pm and we started out meal around 10.15pm and by midnight we were having coffee.
"We go to bed at around 1am. We have to train every morning at 11am. I think that is a perfect time.
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"But Bale had told us 'I am not coming to join you, guys. I go to bed at 11'."
Topics: Spurs, Chelsea, Marcelo, gareth bale, Toni Kroos, Champions League, Thibaut Courtois, Spanish football, Real Madrid, La Liga