Gareth Bale must learn to deal with criticism at Real Madrid: Neymar

Barcelona, May 8 (IANS): Under-fire Real Madrid forward Gareth Bale has been told he must live with the criticism coming his way by Barcelona counterpart Neymar.

The record 86-million-pound signing has endured a torrid second season at the Madrid club, with Tuesday night's anonymous showing against Juventus in the opinion of fans and Madrid media.

But Neymar admits Bale's current situation comes with the territory of being a top class talent.

“Criticism and pressure is something very usual in football. We all face it from time to time. You have to learn to live with it,” the Brazilian said on Thursday about the Welshman.

“What isn't in doubt is that Gareth Bale is a great player.”

Bale's drop in form and popularity at the Santiago Bernabeu Stadium has seen him linked with a return to the English Premier League with Chelsea or Manchester United.

The 23-year-old Neymar, who netted the third goal in Barcelona's thrilling 3-0 triumph over Bayern Munich on Wednesday, is understandably confident about reaching the Champions League final.

Lionel Messi's terrific double was topped off by Neymar in a 3-0 win that puts the Catalan giants in touching distance of the Champions League final in Berlin.

“It was a great game for football lovers,” Neymar said.

“To reach the final is our dream. We are one step ahead thanks to the first leg but we must be humble. It is a very difficult place to go and we will do everything we can to be in Berlin.

“It's been our goal since the start of the season - there's only 90 minutes to go.”

Messi's master-class wowed fans across the world and Neymar considers it a privilege to play alongside the Argentine master.

He said: “I idolised him when I was younger watching football, and now I'm playing with him I idolise him even more.”