Alvaro Arbeloa has come to the defense of his Real Madrid teammate Gareth Bale by saying he doesn’t understand why the media and fans have continued their “witch hunt” against the Welshmen.

Since Bale’s arrival in September 2013, Real Madrid supporters and the Spanish press have cast a critical eye over the forward’s personal and professional life with the player’s every decision by questioned by the masses.

Bale has been branded “selfish” and “lazy”, while having his relationship with his Real Madrid teammates scrutinized – most notably with Cristiano Ronaldo. Recently, fans and pundits have questioned the forward’s defensive work, with many believing the former Southampton youth academy player – who began his career playing at left-back – has abandoned his responsibilities in defense.

The Wales international has been jeered and whistled by home supporters this season.

Following Real Madrid’s 2-1 defeat to Barcelona on March 22, Bale was verbally abused and had his car punched by a supporter as he attempted to leave the club’s training ground in the wee hours of the morning.

Now, during an interview with the Spanish television program El Chiringuito, Alvaro Arbeloa claimed that people “have it out” for Bale, while stating he doesn’t understand the “witch hunt” against his teammate.

“They have it out for him,” Arbeloa told El Chiringuito. “He’s done a great job since he arrived at the club and I don’t understand this witch hunt against him.”

The right-back gave a warm welcome to Real Madrid’s latest signing, FC Porto defender Danilo, who will officially join the club in the summer.

“Welcome, we’re waiting for you with open arms,” the defender added.

Danilo will compete with Arbeloa and Dani Carvajal for the starting right-back position at Real Madrid next season.

When asked if he was concerned about the talented Brazilian defender supplanting him in the starting eleven, Arbeloa responded: “I can’t think beyond my next game at the moment.”