Ramos speaks on the importance of Bale and criticism he’s received

Real Madrid captain Sergio Ramos spoke to the Daily Mail where he was asked about Gareth Bale’s time with the club and his importance to the team.

“I think Bale’s a great player and he’s been really important for the club in the years he’s been with us.”

“You find many things in the press. Some are true, some are not. We live in this world and we have to try to be above all that.

“Regarding what has been said about Gareth, I think time puts everything in place. Regardless of what each player does in his personal life, I think it should be respected and not even talked about. We’re free to do what we want with our free time.”

“Of course, professionally, you owe yourself to a team, to a club, and you try to be as honest as possible. Afterwards, it’s up to each person to go home with a clear conscience or not.”

The free time Ramos of course speaks about is the criticism Bale has received, mainly from the Spanish press, about playing golf in his off-time. As Ramos points out, it’s not really a concern to anyone what players do in their free time.

Regardless of all the drama that transpired over the summer surrounding Bale, he has no doubt stepped up so far with all the injuries the club has already sustained. Without Hazard yet playing a match, Bale has arguably been Real’s best player.

There’s obviously still a lot of time left on the season to determine if this season is a successful one for Bale, but he’s starting off on the right foot so far and silencing a lot of the criticism directed towards him.

James wants to have a career season at Madrid, close to returning from injury

According to AS, James Rodriguez is close to full fitness after sustaining injury against Valladolid two weeks ago. The calf injury forced him to miss the Villarreal match and he did not travel with Colombia for their two international friendlies.

The Colombian gave very brief comment to El Chiringuito about his returning season at Real Madrid.

“I really hope that this can be my season with Real Madrid.”

James has a lot to prove this season after his loan stint with Bayern didn’t go as well as he would have liked. He has the potential and skill to still be an important player for this club. He did look encouraging against Valladolid before he sustained injury.

Regarding the present, we’ll have to see how he progresses this week to see if he will be back for the weekend match against Levante. The sooner he gets back to prove himself more the better.

Modric celebrates his 34th birthday

Luka Modric celebrated his 34th birthday on Monday. He is still the most senior member of the team at his age and he’s still an essential piece to this club.

Obviously at his age now, many questions are starting to arise regarding his form and when he will start to regress. For now, we get to enjoy a true active legend that has been a main part of Real’s success since joining in 2012.

From someone who was once rated as the worst LaLiga transfer to a Ballon d’Or winner, Luka has cemented himself as a modern cornerstone of this club.

We don’t know how much longer he will be around or in form for the club at his age. But, for now, he will continue being regarded as a club legend and deserves the happiest of birthday celebrations.