Ancelotti Calls on Real Madrid Fans to Recognize Bale’s Contributions

Real Madrid's head coach Carlo Ancelotti watches the Spanish La Liga match between Cadiz and Real Madrid at the Nuevo Mirandilla stadium in Cadiz, Spain, Sunday, May 15, 2022. (AP)
Real Madrid's head coach Carlo Ancelotti watches the Spanish La Liga match between Cadiz and Real Madrid at the Nuevo Mirandilla stadium in Cadiz, Spain, Sunday, May 15, 2022. (AP)
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Ancelotti Calls on Real Madrid Fans to Recognize Bale’s Contributions

Real Madrid's head coach Carlo Ancelotti watches the Spanish La Liga match between Cadiz and Real Madrid at the Nuevo Mirandilla stadium in Cadiz, Spain, Sunday, May 15, 2022. (AP)
Real Madrid's head coach Carlo Ancelotti watches the Spanish La Liga match between Cadiz and Real Madrid at the Nuevo Mirandilla stadium in Cadiz, Spain, Sunday, May 15, 2022. (AP)

Carlo Ancelotti says it is important Real Madrid recognize the contribution Gareth Bale has made to club and called on fans to give him a fitting farewell in his final home game when they face Real Betis later on Friday.

The 32-year-old has made just seven appearances in all competitions this season and is set to leave as a free agent when his contract expires in the summer.

Bale has won three La Liga titles and four Champions League crowns since joining from Tottenham Hotspur in 2013 but his time in Spain has been marred by injuries.

"Everyone knows that Bale's contract is ending and that he says goodbye to Real Madrid this year," manager Ancelotti told reporters.

"It's not important if he plays. What's important is Bale is a part of the history of this club. He'll always be in the memories of Real Madrid fans."

Bale has often been a target of the Spanish media, who labelled him a "parasite" after missing Real's 4-0 home loss to Barcelona in March, and he was jeered by some fans in making his first competitive home appearance in over two years last month.

The Welshman scored twice, including a stunning overhead kick, in the 2018 Champions League final against Liverpool and also netted a memorable winner against Barcelona in the 2014 Copa del Rey final.

"He was very important to the Decima (their 10th Champions League title) and the Copa del Rey final," added Ancelotti. "He has written some great chapters for this club, it is important we recognize that."

Bale was named in the Wales squad on Thursday for their World Cup playoff final against either Scotland or Ukraine, and three Nations League games next month.



Guardiola Hears Boos at Oasis Concert in Manchester

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola reacts ahead of the Club World Cup Group G soccer match between Manchester City and Al Ain in Atlanta, Sunday, June 22, 2025. (AP Photo/Mike Stewart)
Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola reacts ahead of the Club World Cup Group G soccer match between Manchester City and Al Ain in Atlanta, Sunday, June 22, 2025. (AP Photo/Mike Stewart)
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Guardiola Hears Boos at Oasis Concert in Manchester

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola reacts ahead of the Club World Cup Group G soccer match between Manchester City and Al Ain in Atlanta, Sunday, June 22, 2025. (AP Photo/Mike Stewart)
Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola reacts ahead of the Club World Cup Group G soccer match between Manchester City and Al Ain in Atlanta, Sunday, June 22, 2025. (AP Photo/Mike Stewart)

Some Oasis fans weren't quite “mad fer it” when the band dedicated a song to Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola at a homecoming concert.

A smattering of boos followed Liam Gallagher dedicating “D'You Know What I Mean?” to “the greatest manager of all time, the one and only Pep Guardiola" — who was in attendance, The AP news reported.

It occurred Friday night at Heaton Park during the band's first concert in Manchester in 16 years as part of its reunion tour.

Noel Gallagher then asked: “Who you booing?”

The brothers, who grew up in Manchester and are longtime City fans, have attended many games over the years as Guardiola has guided the club to six Premier League titles — among an array of other trophies.

Guardiola, who received some respectful applause as well, didn't seem to mind the razzing — likely from crosstown Man United fans at the show — and joined the rest of the 70,000-plus fans in singing “Don't Look Back in Anger.”