Gareth Bale Says He's Happy With "Golfer" Nickname At Real Madrid

Gareth Bale has addressed the nickname "golfer" given to him by Real Madrid teammates.

The Welsh winger plays so much golf that teammate Thibaut Courtois simply referred to him as 'The Golfer' in an interview earlier this year but Bale claims he is happy with the tag.

In a press conference ahead of Wales' European Championship qualifier against Azerbaijan on Friday, he said:

"I am a golfer. Have you not seen the pictures?" he said. "I spoke to him [Courtois] about it and he said it was a joke. People took it out of context, but I'm very happy with the nickname to be honest."

Great few days of golf. Thanks Celtic Manor pic.twitter.com/onG0OrrSrL

— Gareth Bale (@GarethBale11) June 17, 2018

Gareth Bale has built a three-hole golf course in his GARDEN!

Officially the best back garden in the world?! ⛳️ pic.twitter.com/pc4yeuGOE3

— Soccer AM (@SoccerAM) March 22, 2018

In an interview with Belgian outlet HLN, goalkeeper Courtois was asked for a take on his teammates.

The majority were given rave reviews but Bale "The Golfer" was a difficult one. "It is very hard to describe Gareth in one word." he said.

"I would say he has so much talent, but that it is such a shame that so often that talent is blocked from shining."

Bale's relationship with the sport was a big talking point when he was linked with a move away from Los Blancos in the transfer window.

He reportedly told teammates that he was prepared to "stay and play golf" if the club don't pay off the outstanding €51 million remaining on his Los Blancos contract.

Gareth Bale pictured playing golf yesterday while Real Madrid were playing Spurs in and friendly... pic.twitter.com/5NTHL9MT2H

— Transfer News (@TransferChecker) July 31, 2019

Radioestadio, via SPORT, claimed he said the following to his teammates after the game against Real Betis in May this year.

"I've got three years left on my contract. If they want me to go, they'll need to pay me €17m per season. If not, I'll stay here. And if I have to play golf, I will."