Real Madrid attacker Gareth Bale has insisted that he 'does not need to answer the critics' amid a difficult period with his club side.

The 25-year-old played a key role in Real Madrid's Champions League and Copa del Rey success last season, but the Welshman's form has been up and down this term.

Bale also has a strained relationship with the Real Madrid supporters, but the former Tottenham Hotspur left-back does not believe that he has anything to prove to his doubters.

"I don't need to answer the critics. I know, and everyone around me knows, what I can do," he told reporters.

"There are ups and downs in football, you have to take it with a pinch of salt and all you can do is respond with your performances on the pitch, like that.

"I don't feel I need to prove anyone wrong or right, I just need to play my football... I don't listen to anyone else, what they're saying, just enjoy my football with the boys."

Bale netted twice as Wales beat Israel 3-0 in a Euro 2016 qualifier on Saturday.