Barcelona coach Gerardo Martino has lashed out at rival Real Madrid for the expensive fee that the club is looking to pay to land Tottenham Hotspur winger Gareth Bale.
According to numerous reports, Real Madrid and Tottenham are closing in on making the deal happen after months of bantering between the two sides. A report earlier in the week indicated that the Welshman will earn an estimated 10 million euros per year.
"Bale is an excellent player but the rumored fee shows a lack of respect for the world we live in," said Martino as he hinted at the devastating conditions of Spain's economy, according to ESPN.
A number of Madrid players have voiced their admiration for Bale and have noted that he will be welcomed into the club when he comes.
"He [Bale] is a great player," said summer acquisition Isco, according to ESPN. "If he comes it would be a 'blessed' problem for the boss. If he arrives I would have to welcome him, like all other new players."
"Last year it was Modric and now it's 'the Bale saga'. The president [Florentino Perez] and [director general] Jose Angel Sanchez always do everything to try and bring the best players to the club," added Madrid captain Iker Casillas, according to the London Evening Standard. "The current squad is complete in every area but if a player like Bale comes along, he'll be welcomed."
Madrid won its first game of the year but struggled mightily to assert themselves offensively. The addition of Bale should help in that department. The transfer window closes on Aug. 31.
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