Graeme Souness criticised Gareth Bale for comments the Welshman made after Tottenham’s 4-1 win over Crystal Palace.
Bale played a starring role, scoring two of Spurs’ goals in a resounding victory for Jose Mourinho’s side.
But former Scotland midfielder Souness was far from impressed by Bale’s post-match interview with Sky Sports.
Bale, 31, said he was “not 21 anymore” and that his body was taking longer to recover.
“I was disappointed with a couple of his comments,” Sky pundit Souness said.
“I felt at my strongest when I was 30. Of course he’s not 21 anymore but he’s talking like an old man – he’s not.
“What an example he played with for in years and years in (Cristiano) Ronaldo, who’s 35.
“He should be the opposite of that – he should be talking about what he’s going to do.”
Souness also questioned Bale’s determination to win a place in the team during his recent spell on the bench.
The ex-Liverpool boss said: “If I’m him I’m knocking on the manager’s door telling him ‘I’m ready’.
“But we were getting pictures of him sitting on the bench, looking uninterested, not bothered, smiling and joking with his team-mates.
“I’m an enormous fan of Gareth Bale. I just expected more of him. Unless he’s got a fundamental problem he shouldn’t be saying that.
“Those words he came out with at the end, about ‘I’m not 21 anymore, the body gets tired’ – we’ve all been 31.
“Your career finishes too quickly when you’re a football player. I’d like him to have a pint of enthusiasm more than he’s showing.”
Souness’ fellow pundit Roy Keane took a similar view – and also suggested Bale should look to his former Real Madrid team-mate Ronaldo as an example.
Keane said: “He should see what Ronaldo does and he’s 35.
“I do agree with Graeme when he’s saying ‘I’m 31’ – 31?”