Zidane: My relationship with Gareth Bale is good, I want him to stay at Real Madrid

Zinedine Zidane insists his relationship with Gareth Bale is strong and he is hopeful the player will remain at Real Madrid.

Earlier this month, Spanish football journalist Guillem Balague spoke on the BBC and wrote in Spanish news outlet Diario AS that the Welshman is angry with the situation he finds himself in and is now ready to walk out of the club.

It has been outlined that Bale was mystified by sitting out the recent Champions League clash against Club Brugge with no explanation, as he was totally fit and injury-free for the clash.

The 30-year-old had appeared to be returning to full form and fitness in the opening weeks of the campaign but is now said to be unhappy with his treatment by boss Zinedine Zidane and the club generally.

“We have a good relationship, no matter what is said about that in the press,” Zidane told reporters, as cited by Cadena Cope.

“He never talks about leaving and I would not welcome his departure in winter. He stayed in the summer and it was the best for everyone.

“I think he will be back (from London) this afternoon.”

Bale has three years remaining on his Madrid contract and his hefty wage bill meant that he had no strong desire to exit the club this summer despite the wishes of the hierarchy in the Spanish capital.

A move to Chinese football broke down at Madrid’s request – as they would not have received a transfer fee – and Bale scored twice, before being sent-off, in a recent 2-2 draw against Villarreal.

Bale has won four Champions Leagues, one La Liga title, a Copa del Rey and three Uefa Super Cups and Club World Cups during his time at Real, scoring over 100 goals across six years.

Tags Gareth Bale
La Liga - Club News