Real Madrid Coach Zinedine Zidane has ‘complete control’ over the future of Gareth Bale, according to the player’s agent Jonathan Barnett.
The comments came after Bale did not feature in a third successive match for Los Blancos, as they fell to a two-goal home defeat against Real Betis on Sunday.
“We will have to wait and see (if Bale stays), as at the moment, I do not know what will happen,” Zidane said on Bale after the match.
“In truth, I have counted on other players in more in recent weeks, and if I had a fourth substitute today I would not have brought him on.
“I make these decisions when it is right to do so, and I must act in the best interests of the team at all times.
“This may be difficult for a player who has been successful here, but I must think of what is right at any given time.”
Responding to these comments on ESPN FC, Barnett responded to the Frenchman: “Fine, that's his opinion.”
Asked about the influence of Madrid president Florentino Perez on the Welshman’s future, Barnett added: “Zidane has complete control.”
The 29-year-old sparked further controversy when he failed to take part in the customary lap of honour after the match.