Joe Hart claims Gareth Bale has 'definitely been hurt' by how Real Madrid

Joe Hart believes Gareth Bale has been hurt by the way Real Madrid have turned on him during his trophy-laden tenure in Spain.

The Welshman has won four Champions Leagues and two LaLiga titles since heading to the Spanish capital from Tottenham in 2013 but in recent years has become a lightening rod for criticism regarding Real's problems.

Last season, Bale returned to Tottenham on loan for the campaign where he became team-mates with Hart, who was the No 2 goalkeeper at Spurs.

There, Hart felt he saw how Bale's time in Spain has impacted him as a person.

Speaking on the podcast In The Stiffs, Hart said when asked about Bale: 'Laid back is an understatement but in there he is protecting himself.

'He's definitely been hurt by what has gone on at Real Madrid. Anyone would be - the guy is a legend, a super star, and for some unknown reason to anyone the whole place turned on him. And that hurt Gaz.

'He was a bit off it, injuries and that, but there were days you could tell he felt comfortable with his body. He's very aware of feelings and he knows, he's come to a point in his career where he's not going to rip a hamstring for anyone.

'He's exceptional, there were days where, phwoar... he wasn't starting games but then something happened and he started feeling comfortable in his body.'

Bale scored 16 goals in 34 appearances for Spurs last season before heading back to Real, where is in the final year of his contract.

Last week, he scored twice for Wales as they defeated Austria 2-1 to reach the World Cup qualifying play-off final.

The 32-year-old has scored once in five games for Real this season.