Bale apologies to Ronaldo for rude comments – and considers changing agent

This story can be seen in one of two ways - either Gareth Bale is being very courteous about his agent's uncouth comments, or he's up Cristiano Ronaldo's arse big time.

A few days ago, Bale's agent Jonathan Barnett made some barbed comments about the Portuguese superstar - in particular referencing his underwear modelling work and advancing years. These didn't go down too well at Chez Cristiano apparently, and Marca journalist Rafa Sahuquillo reports that Bale is all of a tizzy about his agent causing friction between him at his Ronaldoness. Sahuquillo claims that the Welshman has apologised personally to his teammate for Barnett's bitchy statement, and is so annoyed that he's seriously considering sacking his representation. Somewhere in Lisbon, Jorge Mendes' ears just pricked up...