Gareth Bale's Agent Slams 'Stupid' Cristiano Ronaldo Story, Sacking Rumours

Gareth Bale's agent Jonathan Barnett has hit out at claims the Real Madrid superstar will dispose of his services after allegedly referring to Cristiano Ronaldo as an "underwear model."

In an interview with the Guardian's Stuart James, Barnett made a reference to the differences between his client and CR7, which were then heavily criticised by Alvaro de la Rosa of AS (h/t Dermot Corrigan of ESPNFC.com), leading to claims of the agent's impending employment termination. 

Radio Marca (h/t Corrigan) said the Welshman had apologised to the Portugal icon for Barnett's comments, and was considering severing ties with the agent as a result. However, Barnett angrily slammed the claims to radio show Al Primer Toque (h/t Corrigan): "I do not comment on stupid and uninformed journalism. It is a disgusting and stupid article, done by a very, very bad journalist. It is a made-up story by a very, very bad journalist."

Matt Dunham/Associated Press

Much has been made of the frosty relationship between the two biggest signings in the history of football, with many feeling Bale was purchased to replace Ronaldo, rather than partner him. 

However, in their first season together, Los Blancos swept to the club's 10th Champions League success, with the two attackers central to the team's triumph.

Last year was an altogether different experience for the pair as Madrid crumbled to a disappointing campaign, which saw coach Carlo Ancelotti relieved of his duties as a result. 

Francisco Seco/Associated Press

But it seems there is no issue between Bale and Ronaldo in the bigger picture of ego and placement in Madrid's rank, with Barnett telling James all is well, while dropping the infamous "underwear" comment:

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They don’t go out eating every night together, but it’s fine. There’s no hatred there. Gareth is a quiet guy. They’re complete opposites. But I think Gareth can learn a little bit from Ronaldo as well, interacting maybe a little bit. But he wants his own life and he lives it. Gareth is a great footballer, he doesn’t want anything more. He has some very good endorsements but his whole life is to be the best footballer in the world. I don’t think he wants to be the best model in the world or the best underwear seller. That’s not him.

"

Madrid coach Rafael Benitez also had his say on the pair's relationship, telling Spanish radio station Onda Cero there is "no problem" between the two, per the Mirror's Ed Malyon:

Bale might want to be the best in the world, but he is still light years behind Ronaldo in terms of productivity. Bale scored just 13 goals in La Liga last year, compared to CR7's astonishing 48, according to WhoScored.com. 

However, if new coach Benitez can get the pair working fully in tandem this term, there is every possibility the trophies will be raining down on the Bernabeu once again. 

Bale is an exceptional talent, but he isn't Ronaldo quite yet.