Story By: Juan Mayes, Sub Editor: Joseph Golder, Agency: Golder’s News And Sport 

Real Madrid’s wantaway superstar Gareth Bale has been seen at a players-only Christmas dinner with his club for the first time during his time in Spain.

Welsh winger Bale, 30, attended the annual players-only Christmas dinner at an exclusive restaurant in the Spanish capital Madrid.

The picture shows the Spanish club’s squad posing around a table as some players have to stand on chairs at the back to fit into the picture.

Bale can be seen on the left-hand side standing next to Brazilian midfielder Casemiro and resting his hands on former Chelsea striker Eden Hazard as the whole group smiles for the camera.

Only French superstar Karim Benzema and German midfielder Tony Kroos are missing in the image. It is unclear if they went to the dinner.

Local media report Bale’s attendance came as a surprise as it marks the first time he has gone to the annual dinner in the six years he has played for Los Blancos.

Bale has recently been the target of heavy criticism after he was sidelined in October due to a calf injury he suffered playing for Wales in their 1-1 draw against Croatia.

After a month of inactivity at the club, Bale played his first match since the injury under Manchester United legend Ryan Giggs, 46, for the Welsh national team before posing with a flag reading “Wales. Golf. Madrid. In that order” after his side beat Hungary to qualify for Euro 2020.

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