Gareth Bale has reportedly informed Real Madrid that he wants to become the club’s new No 10.
The Welshman’s second season at the Santiago Bernabeu was considered disappointing, having scored five goals less than he did in his debut campaign and bearing the brunt of the fans’ criticism.
Nonetheless, AS claims he has agreed to stay in the Spanish capital – but only on the condition that he is promised a new position in the team.
The newspaper adds that Rafa Benitez’s plans to move him to the left of his 4-2-3-1, as opposed to the right of a three-pronged attack, have not been met with enthusiasm from Bale’s camp.
Instead, the 25-year-old has instructed his agent Jonathan Barnett to convey his wishes of playing behind the No 9 – expected to be Cristiano Ronaldo – to Madrid’s management.
However, with James Rodriguez being primed for the position, the former Tottenham star may be forced to settle for the left wing.
Bale has flourished in his free role with Wales, notably scoring the winner against Belgium in Euro 2016 qualifying last week.
