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The Gareth Bale thread

Who will Gareth Bale be playing for in 2018-19?

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hadi123

hadi123

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That Post-match interview after the CL final made it very clear he wasn't happy at Real Madrid - wants to be playing week in week out and that goal he scored definitely justifies that claim.

However, who will the Welshman be plying his trade for?

Will he return to Tottenham Hotspur? I'm sure Spurs fans are dreaming of the link-up between him and Kane.

Will he go to Manchester United, who he has been linked with a lot?

Will he go to PSG, where he will be able to make lots of money?

Will he join Manchester City, who look to be building a very good team?

Will he join any other team?

Or will he end up staying at Real Madrid?

Vote and discuss!
 
I'm a United fan but I don't see why he would want to come to us tbh, Mourinho is known to ruin attacking players.

I can't see him staying at Real Madrid either, that interview was revealing. City is an attractive prospect but he wouldn't be guaranteed starter there either. I would love to see him back at Spurs - they are a much improved team in last couple of years but it seems unlikely. I can see him most likely going to PSG or Bayern Munich - two teams who are very good in the league but haven't done much in Europe. My vote went to Bayern Munich but I won't be surprised if he doesn't go there, surely it is going to be one of the transfer sagas of this window.
 
hadi123 said:
I'm a United fan but I don't see why he would want to come to us tbh, Mourinho is known to ruin attacking players.

I can't see him staying at Real Madrid either, that interview was revealing. City is an attractive prospect but he wouldn't be guaranteed starter there either. I would love to see him back at Spurs - they are a much improved team in last couple of years but it seems unlikely. I can see him most likely going to PSG or Bayern Munich - two teams who are very good in the league but haven't done much in Europe. My vote went to Bayern Munich but I won't be surprised if he doesn't go there, surely it is going to be one of the transfer sagas of this window.
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maybe Jose can accomodate him to a similar role he played Hazard in, when he was at his destructive best.
 
I don't see how United will pay both his (reported) ridiculous 335,000 per week wages and his £120-150m price tag. Especially if that's on a 2-3 year long contract. PSG already have enough forwards and will go way over FFP if they sign Bale, Barcelona will not sign him either. Spurs cannot afford him, there's no way Levi is doing this deal.

City are looking to sign Mahrez, but if that falls through I can see them making a shock move for Bale. Chelsea won't buy him especially when we have Willian and can potentially fund a move for a younger player like Leon Bailey or Martial instead.

Liverpool, Bayern and Juventus are in the same boat as other clubs, where either they cannot afford Bale's pricetag and wages, or already have first team players in that role. Bayern have never been that kind of team who pays for big name signings, they tend to just hoover up the talent in the Bundesliga and work from there, same goes for Juventus.
 
I don't think he will be at Real Madrid next year. But not sure who he will sign for yet.
 
Well now that Zidane has left Real Madrid perhaps he may stay?
 
Same, with Zidane gone he's probably going to stay. Would love it if he came back to us but know that's highly unlikely. Can't stand United getting another of our players, considering Alderweireld's most probably going to end up there.
 
Considering he has already won 3 CL and had an amazing final with RM, if he came and set the EPL on fire that would make a perfect career for him, however its only us and city that maybe able to afford him, Jose is probably regretting buying Sanchez now considering he could have got Bale if he waited, now he needs to sell Martial for £80m+ and bring Bale in for less than £100m otherwise it looks unlikly Woodward would allow it.
 
After Zidane's resignation I see Bale remaining at Real. From the interested parties only Man Utd can afford him. They don't seem that keen ether.
 
He's likely to stay at the club for a couple of weeks until they announce a new manager. But its really down to him. United would take him there's no doubt there, so would PSG, Bayern, Man City and Chelsea. But he's like to wait it out for a bit.
 
Not many clubs in the world can pay his salary. Only City, United, Real, Barca and PSG. PSG would have an outside shout if Neymar does actually leave PSG.

United is signing Arnautovic and seems like are unwilling to pay his salary.

Another thing which is possible is he leaves on loan. Maybe to Spurs.
 
The treatment of Gareth Bale by Real Madrid fans is "nothing short of a disgrace", according to his agent.

Sections of the Bernabeu jeered the Wales forward when he was substituted after 61 minutes of Saturday's 1-0 defeat by Barcelona.

"This generation of Real fans will be talking about Gareth's goals for years to come," said the 29-year-old's representative, Jonathan Barnett.

"They should be ashamed of themselves. Those fans should be kissing his feet."

Bale joined Real from Tottenham in 2013 for £85m and has won four Champions Leagues and one La Liga title with the Spanish club.

He has scored 13 goals in 33 club games this season but, despite being under contract until June 2022, his future at the Bernabeu has been a talking point in recent weeks.

"Gareth deserves the greatest of respect. The way Real fans have treated him is nothing short of a disgrace," Barnett added.

"In the six years he has been in Spain, he has won everything. He's one of the best players in the world.

"Despite what the Spanish press are reporting, he's happy, he speaks reasonable Spanish and there is no problem between him and the rest of the Real players. The people writing these things know nothing about him.

"There has not been one single discussion about Gareth leaving Madrid. He isn't going anywhere this summer.

"Despite what's been reported, he's content, he wants to stay at Real and they want him.

"We're fed up of fake stories that he's leaving."

Real goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois was quoted last month as saying Bale has not adapted to the Spanish way of life and snubbed a night out with team-mates.

Full-back Marcelo told Spanish newspaper Marca that Bale does not speak Spanish and only communicates with gestures.

https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/47444043
 
Don't care where he goes just need to get rid of him for once and all. This guy only brings injuries and poor performances.
 
Real Madrid forward Gareth Bale is "very close to leaving" the Spanish club, says boss Zinedine Zidane.

The Wales international, 30, was left out of Real's 3-1 pre-season defeat by Bayern Munich in Houston, USA.

Speaking after the game, Zidane said: "We hope he leaves soon. It would be best for everyone. We are working on his transfer to a new team.

"I have nothing personal against him - but there comes a time where things are done because they must be done."

Bale - who has three years left on his Real contract - has won the Champions League four times since his £85m move to Madrid from Tottenham in 2013 - a world record deal at the time.

He played 42 games for Los Blancos last season, half of those as a substitute, and injury problems have limited the Welshman to 79 La Liga appearances in the past four campaigns.

Bale was booed by home supporters at times last season, though his agent said in March the player was "very happy" and wanted to "play all his career" at the Bernabeu club.

"I have to make decisions. We have to change," Zidane added. "The exit is the coach's decision, and also of the player, who knows the situation.

"The situation will change, I do not know if in 24 or 48 hours, but it will, and it's a good thing for everyone."

https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/49061557
 
Never rated this guy.

I still can’t get over why Real Madrid sold Cristiano Ronaldo.

They lost their diamond whilst searching for gold.
 
Mueez said:
Never rated this guy.

I still can’t get over why Real Madrid sold Cristiano Ronaldo.

They lost their diamond whilst searching for gold.
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CR went himself because he was promised a deal to increase his salary up to where Messi is and it was never given. He felt betrayed and left.
 
Gareth Bale's agent has branded Zinedine Zidane a "disgrace" after the Real Madrid manager said the forward was very close to leaving the club.

Bale did not feature in Real's 3-1 International Champions Cup defeat to Bayern Munich in Houston on Saturday night, and Zidane said the Welshman's omission from the squad was because he is on the verge of sealing a departure.

"Bale did not play because he is very close to leaving," explained Zidane. "We hope he leaves soon, it would be best for everyone. We are working on his transfer to a new team.


"I have nothing personal against him, but there is a time where things are done because they must be done. I have to make decisions, we have to change.

0:27
Poch: No knowledge of Bale interest
Mauricio Pochettino says he is aware of speculation linking Gareth Bale with a move away from Real Madrid but does not know if Tottenham will move for him.

Mauricio Pochettino says he is unsure if Daniel Levy is trying to get Bale

"The exit is the coach's decision, and also of the player, who knows the situation. The situation will change, I do not know if in 24 or 48 hours, but it will, and it's a good thing for everyone."

Bale's representative Jonathan Barnett has reacted furiously to Zidane's comments, telling AFP: "Zidane is a disgrace, he shows no respect for a player that has done so much for Real Madrid."

Barnett did confirm Bale is in the process of leaving the Bernabeu, saying: "We are working on it."

Sky Sports News understands the 30-year-old will only leave Real if he feels the move is right for him and his family, who enjoy life in Madrid and are settled in the Spanish capital.

Provisional discussions have been held with interested parties about a transfer this summer, but Sky Sports News understands Bale's camp have not discussed a move to Paris Saint-Germain in a deal that would see Neymar go the other way.

In the build-up to Saturday night's clash with Real, Bayern Munich midfielder Thiago Alcantara said like any top player, Bale would be welcomed at the Allianz Arena.

1:13
'Bale will not leave on loan'
Gareth Bale's agent Jonathan Barnett says the Real Madrid forward will not leave the Bernabeu on loan this summer.

Bale's agent Jonathan Barnett told Sky Sports News on June 18 that the Real forward would not leave the Bernabeu on loan this summer
Tottenham manager Mauricio Pochettino says he is in the dark over whether Daniel Levy is trying to get Bale.

Speaking to reporters after Spurs' win over Juventus, Pochettino said: "At the moment I don't have any information from my chairman.

"I don't know if we are [in for him] or it's another club.

"I saw in the media but I do not know which club is going to sign him. I do not know if it is us or another club. It is the job of my chairman to build the best possible club."
https://www.skysports.com/football/...ays-gareth-bale-set-for-real-madrid-departure
 
Manchester United should try to sign him. He'd be ideal in the current United team.
 
Zidane saying Bale is on the brink of leaving. Wonder whose gonna buy him?
 
Zidane clearly wants him to leave desperately. Nobody is going to pay him 600k a week. As long as Real Madrid compromise I could see him going to:

A) PSG as a Neymar replacement. Despite being injury prone, Bale would tear apart Ligue I and has been a big game player for Madrid

B) Manchester United as they have the financial power to pull the deal off and already paying Sánchez big money, what could they lose...

C) Bayern Munich. Robbery have left so they will need some wingers to add to Coman and Gnabry. This deal would probably be the more unlikely deal as Bayern don’t tend to do transfers like this, rather preferring to sign younger players and domestic talent.
 
Real Madrid manager Zinedine Zidane has denied showing disrespect to Gareth Bale, and claimed the Wales forward refused to come on as a substitute against Bayern Munich on Sunday.

Zidane has said Bale is "very close to leaving" the club and that his exit would be "best for everyone".

Those comments led Bale's agent Jonathan Barnett to complain Zidane had "no respect" for the 30-year-old.

"I haven't shown a lack of respect towards anyone," Zidane said.

"What I said the other day is that the club was working on Bale's exit.

"I've always said the same thing: the players are the most important ones in all of this. Whenever there's a player involved, I'll always back them."

Zidane, who returned last season for a second stint as manager at the Bernabeu, was speaking before his side's pre-season match against Arsenal in the US.

"Gareth didn't come on [against Bayern Munich] because he didn't want to, and he said it was because the club was working on his exit," he said.

Bale has been linked with a number of clubs over the summer, including Premier League sides Manchester United and Tottenham, from whom he joined the Spanish giants in 2013 for a then world record £85m, and also with a move to the Chinese Super League.

Since arriving in Spain, Bale has won the Champions League four times and La Liga once.

Real Madrid forward wants to 'play all his career' at club
Zidane says Bale will "train as normal" and that the forward could still be under consideration to play against the Gunners on Tuesday.

"The club is doing what it has to and that's all there is to it. Bale is currently part of the squad and I respect that. That's the most important thing for me."

https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/49080786
 
Too much talk and headlines here, bale should be happy and ecstatic - he will recive £20m bonus and huge wages to go to china it its done, that is crazy for someone who is injured all the time and entering his 30s, one huge monstrousness final paycheck is what all dream about.
 
Gareth Bale's representatives are in talks with Chinese side Jiangsu Suning about a deal which could see the Welshman earn £1m a week.

Sky Sports News understands negotiations are progressing and there is still some work to do, but Jiangsu Suning are increasingly confident they can convince Bale to sign.

The 30-year-old has been told he can leave Real Madrid, even though he has three years left on his £600,000-a-week contract.

However, any deal will have to be concluded by Wednesday as that is when the Chinese window closes.

Bale to Jiangsu Suning 'realistic'
Gareth Bale could move to Chinese club Jiangsu Suning, according to former Shanghai SIPG director Mads Davidsen.

On Tuesday, former Shanghai SIPG director Mads Davidsen said Bale could move to Chinese club Jiangsu Suning

Another hurdle is that all Chinese clubs have to pay 100 per cent transfer tax on foreign signings, meaning Jiangsu Suning will effectively have to pay double to secure Bale's services.

All proceeds from this transfer tax then goes towards youth development in the country.

Follow the Summer Transfer Window on Sky Sports

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Start your day with Good Morning Transfers at 9am as our team of reporters bring you the latest news and insight. Transfer Talk then follows at midday delivering analysis of the biggest stories. And join us at 7pm for the definitive round up of the day's news with The Transfer Show.

https://www.skysports.com/football/...ves-in-talks-with-chinese-side-jiangsu-suning
 
Hope we (Real Madrid) get rid of him soon. What a blunder by Perez of letting go CR7 while trusting Bale to do as good if not better. Should have listened to Zidane and let off Bale instead of CR7. The blunder costed us last year and probably this year as well.

Bale has had some good games, but unlike the great Cristiano Ronaldo he doesn't have it in him mentally to be the main star every game.
 
Prince of Pakistan said:
Hope we (Real Madrid) get rid of him soon. What a blunder by Perez of letting go CR7 while trusting Bale to do as good if not better. Should have listened to Zidane and let off Bale instead of CR7. The blunder costed us last year and probably this year as well.

Bale has had some good games, but unlike the great Cristiano Ronaldo he doesn't have it in him mentally to be the main star every game.
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Bale has to stay focused on being in injury free then he can be asset for RM as hes already there, if you are looking for a replacement for CR7 then theres no one on the planet who can do that. Its something we learnt at MU after letting him go, you just have to get on with it because you wont find a replacement.
 
PetroDollars said:
Bale has to stay focused on being in injury free then he can be asset for RM as hes already there, if you are looking for a replacement for CR7 then theres no one on the planet who can do that. Its something we learnt at MU after letting him go, you just have to get on with it because you wont find a replacement.
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He has had so many chances, but never availed his chances. He has had physical issues, but also mentally he can't compete every week. A few memorable performances, but a lot of failures.

CR7's exit has even been worse for RM as he used to score 60-70 goals on his own while United had others to do the scoring. Maybe one day Mbappe will fill his shoes, but at the moment RM looks like a mediocre team with a big reputation.
 
Prince of Pakistan said:
He has had so many chances, but never availed his chances. He has had physical issues, but also mentally he can't compete every week. A few memorable performances, but a lot of failures.

CR7's exit has even been worse for RM as he used to score 60-70 goals on his own while United had others to do the scoring. Maybe one day Mbappe will fill his shoes, but at the moment RM looks like a mediocre team with a big reputation.
Click to expand...

Well he took those chances when he won you the CL last time out.

I dont watch Laliga but im sure you can say those things to almost all RM players, maybe with better players around him he will have been different
 
PetroDollars said:
Well he took those chances when he won you the CL last time out.

I dont watch Laliga but im sure you can say those things to almost all RM players, maybe with better players around him he will have been different
Click to expand...

Exactly my point. A few memorable performance and lots of pathetic games costing RM points. People at the top have had enough of him.
 
Prince of Pakistan said:
He has had so many chances, but never availed his chances. He has had physical issues, but also mentally he can't compete every week. A few memorable performances, but a lot of failures.

CR7's exit has even been worse for RM as he used to score 60-70 goals on his own while United had others to do the scoring. Maybe one day Mbappe will fill his shoes, but at the moment RM looks like a mediocre team with a big reputation.
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Can we say Real Madrid has become Pakistan cricket team of La Liga?

No matter what I’ll remain a Madridista.
 
Prince of Pakistan said:
So will I but it hurts. Greatest club on earth with so many mediocre players these days.
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Is it safe to say Perez should leave Real Madrid?

I’ve had enough of his blunders.

Selling Ronaldo still hurts. Every time I watch RM it feels like it isn’t the same without Ronaldo...

How I wish he comes back to La Casa Blanca.
 
Mueez said:
Is it safe to say Perez should leave Real Madrid?

I’ve had enough of his blunders.

Selling Ronaldo still hurts. Every time I watch RM it feels like it isn’t the same without Ronaldo...

How I wish he comes back to La Casa Blanca.
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Buy him back, 120m euros wil do.

7-3 loss to ath Madrid, that hurts
 
Sky are reporting that Bale's move to China has been called-off.
 
Saj said:
Sky are reporting that Bale's move to China has been called-off.
Click to expand...

Gareth Bale's move to China is off after Real Madrid cancelled the deal, with the Wales winger now set to stay at the Spanish club.

Bale, 30, had been expected to join Chinese Super League club Jiangsu Suning on a three-year deal, earning a reported £1m a week.

Last week Real boss Zinedine Zidane said Bale was "very close to leaving" having fallen out of favour.

Zidane added his exit would be "best for everyone".

Bale joined the Spanish club for £85m from Tottenham in 2013 in a world record deal at the time.

He has three years left on his contract with the Bernabeu club where he has won four Champions Leagues, one La Liga title, a Copa del Rey, three Uefa Super Cups and three Club World Cups.

Bale scored three goals, plus a penalty in a shootout, in four Champions League finals for Real as they won the competition in 2014, 2016, 2017 and 2018.

However, injury problems have limited him to 79 La Liga starts in the past four seasons.

He played 42 matches for Real Madrid last season but was booed by the home supporters at times during the campaign.

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It has been reported Real blocked Bale's move as they are demanding a transfer fee for the player.

Real have also had their attacking options depleted with winger Marco Asensio set to miss the majority of the 2019-20 season after rupturing his knee ligaments.

Zidane's return as Real boss in March was described as "bad news" by the forward's agent, Jonathan Barnett, because the Frenchman did not want to work with Bale and the two men disagreed on playing style.

However, Real president Florentino Perez has often defended the Welshman.

Bale ended last season on the bench as Real endured their poorest domestic campaign in 20 years, with 12 defeats, 68 points and a third-place finish - 19 points behind champions Barcelona. They were also knocked out of the Champions League by Ajax in the last 16.

Bale has reportedly been nicknamed 'The Golfer' by his Real team-mates, and goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois said Bale did not attend a team meal because he did not want to miss his bed time.

A pre-season to forget
Bale, Wales' record goalscorer with 31 goals in 77 caps, was left out of Real's first pre-season game of their US tour, a 3-1 defeat by Bayern Munich on 21 July.

After the game Zidane said: "We hope he leaves soon. It would be best for everyone. We are working on his transfer to a new team."

In response to Zidane's comments, Barnett told AFP: "Zidane is a disgrace - he shows no respect for a player that has done so much for Real Madrid."

Bale came off the bench in Real's next game to score as they won on penalties after a 2-2 draw with Arsenal in the International Champions Cup, although Frenchman Zidane insisted "nothing had changed".

He again started on the bench as Real were thrashed 7-3 by Atletico Madrid in New Jersey, but came on for the final 30 minutes.

https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/49144872
 
Gareth Bale has pulled out of Real Madrid's trip to Munich for a pre-season tournament, following the collapse of his proposed move to China.

It is understood Bale is not in the right mental state to play after Real president Florentino Perez prevented him from joining Jiangsu Suning.

Last week, Real boss Zinedine Zidane said the 30-year-old was "very close to leaving" having fallen out of favour.

Zidane added his exit would be "best for everyone".

The 33-time Spanish champions will play Bale's former club Tottenham on Tuesday in the opening game of the tournament that also includes Bayern Munich and Fenerbahce.

Bale joined the Spanish club for £85m from Tottenham in 2013 in a world record deal at the time.

He has three years left on his contract with the Bernabeu club where he has won four Champions Leagues, one La Liga title, a Copa del Rey, three Uefa Super Cups and three Club World Cups.

The Welshman scored three goals, plus a penalty in a shootout, in four Champions League finals for Real as they won the competition in 2014, 2016, 2017 and 2018.

However, injury problems have limited him to 79 La Liga starts in the past four seasons.

He played 42 matches for Real Madrid last season but was booed by the home supporters at times during the campaign.

It has been reported Real blocked Bale's move as they are demanding a transfer fee for the player.

https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/49156850
 
MenInG said:
Gareth Bale has pulled out of Real Madrid's trip to Munich for a pre-season tournament, following the collapse of his proposed move to China.

It is understood Bale is not in the right mental state to play after Real president Florentino Perez prevented him from joining Jiangsu Suning.

Last week, Real boss Zinedine Zidane said the 30-year-old was "very close to leaving" having fallen out of favour.

Zidane added his exit would be "best for everyone".

The 33-time Spanish champions will play Bale's former club Tottenham on Tuesday in the opening game of the tournament that also includes Bayern Munich and Fenerbahce.

Bale joined the Spanish club for £85m from Tottenham in 2013 in a world record deal at the time.

He has three years left on his contract with the Bernabeu club where he has won four Champions Leagues, one La Liga title, a Copa del Rey, three Uefa Super Cups and three Club World Cups.

The Welshman scored three goals, plus a penalty in a shootout, in four Champions League finals for Real as they won the competition in 2014, 2016, 2017 and 2018.

However, injury problems have limited him to 79 La Liga starts in the past four seasons.

He played 42 matches for Real Madrid last season but was booed by the home supporters at times during the campaign.

It has been reported Real blocked Bale's move as they are demanding a transfer fee for the player.

https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/49156850
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Forget the money and come back to the premier league, his home is tottenham
 
https://sports.yahoo.com/bale-snubbed-again-zidane-madrid-friendly-102350693--sow.html

Madrid (AFP) - Gareth Bale's stand-off with Real Madrid continued on Wednesday after the forward was left out of Zinedine Zidane's squad to face Red Bull Salzburg in a friendly.

Bale has only played in two of Real Madrid's five pre-season games so far, coming on as a substitute against Arsenal and Atletico Madrid, and has now been left out completely for a third fixture in a row.

James Rodriguez and Mariano Diaz, who are both expected to be sold, were also not included for the match in Austria.

Zidane has made clear that Bale is not in his plans as he looks to rejuvenate Real Madrid following their miserable season last term.

The club are keen to sign Manchester United midfielder Paul Pogba, with Tottenham's Christian Eriksen and Ajax youngster Donny van de Beek potential alternatives.

But Madrid first need to raise funds, after already spending around 300 million euros ($336 million) this summer.

Zidane said last month that Bale being sold would be "best for everyone", while Bale's agent Jonathan Barnett told AFP: "Zidane is a disgrace - he shows no respect for a player that has done so much for Real Madrid."

Bale is in no rush to leave the Santiago Bernabeu, where he has a contract until 2022, worth around 18 million euros a year.

He agreed terms with Chinese Super League club Jiangsu Suning last month but the move was called off after Madrid failed to agree a fee for the 30-year-old.

Bayern Munich retain an interest but any deal would be hugely expensive, making it increasingly likely Bale will remain at Madrid for the start of the La Liga season next weekend.
 
Gareth Bale: Real Madrid forward recalled for Roma friendly

Gareth Bale has been recalled to the Real Madrid squad for their final pre-season friendly against Roma on Sunday.

He played in two friendlies before missing the Audi Cup in Germany last month, as well as Wednesday's game with Austrian side Red Bull Salzburg.

The Wales forward, 30, was reportedly not in the right mental state to play after Real blocked a move to China.

Colombia forward James Rodriguez, who has also been linked with a move, is not part of the 20-man squad in Italy.

Coach Zinedine Zidane said last month that Bale was "very close to leaving" Real having fallen out of favour at the Spanish giants, who begin their La Liga campaign at Celta Vigo next Saturday.

The former Tottenham forward arrived at the Bernabeu for a then world record £85m in 2013 and has three years left on his contract.

https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/49311396
 
Real Madrid boss Zinedine Zidane says he will now "count on" forward Gareth Bale despite previously saying the Wales international could leave.

Bale was expected to join Chinese Super League club Jiangsu Suning in July.

Zidane said at the time his departure would be a "good thing for everyone" before the Real blocked the move.

New signing Eden Hazard sustained a thigh injury in training on Friday and Bale may now be considered for their La Liga opener at Celta Vigo on Saturday.

"It looked like he was leaving but now he is here and now I'm going to count on him, just like all the other players that are in the squad," said Zidane.

"He has a contract, he's an important player and I hope all the players want to make it difficult for me to pick the team."

As well as Hazard, who is expected to miss three to four weeks, Real are without long-term absentee Marco Asensio and left-back Ferland Mendy, who has a calf problem.

The injuries mean Colombia playmaker James Rodriguez is also in contention to make his first competitive appearance for the club since returning from a two-year loan at Bayern Munich.

"He is in shape and I'm glad to have him," added Zidane.

Bale, 30, joined the Spanish club for £85m from Tottenham in 2013 in what was then a world record deal.

He has three years left on his contract with the Bernabeu club, where he has won four Champions Leagues, one La Liga title, a Copa del Rey, three Uefa Super Cups and three Club World Cups.

Bale scored three goals, plus a penalty in a shootout, in four Champions League finals for Real as they won the competition in 2014, 2016, 2017 and 2018.

However, injury problems have limited him to 79 La Liga starts in the past four seasons.

He played 42 matches for Real Madrid last season but was booed by the home supporters at times during the campaign.

https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/49369849
 
Zinedine Zidane said Gareth Bale is "going to stay" at Real Madrid after the Welsh forward set up Karim Benzema's opening goal in a 3-1 victory at Celta Vigo.

Bale was a surprise starter after being linked with a move away from the club this summer, but was involved in Madrid's best moments and Zidane insisted it was always his plan to play Bale in this game.

"He's going to stay and we all have to think of that as a positive thing," manager Zidane said.

"The injury to Eden Hazard was bad luck for us but it didn't change the plans we had for Bale in this game.

"Gareth and everyone else here is going to show this shirt the respect it deserves."

Bale had already tested Celta keeper Ruben Blanco with a rasping shot before delivering a pinpoint cross for Benzema to touch home after 12 minutes.

Celta responded well and thought they had equalised on the stroke of half-time, but Brais Mendez' effort was disallowed for offside by the video assistant referee.

Toni Kroos doubled Real's lead with a sensational 25-yard strike off the underside of the crossbar, before Luka Modric was sent off for a late challenge on former Arsenal loanee Denis Suarez.

Despite going down to 10 men at Estadio Municipal de Balaidos, Real scored a third when Lucas Vazquez finished off a flowing move late on.

Celta's second-half substitute Iker Losada netted a consolation for the home side, beating Thibaut Courtois with a fierce shot in stoppage time.

La Liga champions Barcelona lost their opening league game of the season on Friday, going down 1-0 to Athletic Bilbao.

https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/49382879
 
Bale has to be the player we know he is - Zidane

Madrid - Zinedine Zidane has challenged Gareth Bale to show why he is still one of the world's best players as he continues his reintegration at Real Madrid.

Bale, 30, was a surprise inclusion in the starting line-up against Celta Vigo last weekend, when Madrid opened with an impressive 3-1 win in La Liga and Bale was arguably man of the match.

Zidane said in July it would be "best for everyone" if Bale left Madrid this summer but the Welshman has been eager to stay and appears to be regaining the confidence of his coach.

"What has changed is that the player is going to stay, nothing more," Zidane said in a press conference on Friday, ahead of Saturday's game at home to Real Valladolid.

"The important thing is the player wants to stay. It's true that a lot was said about him, by me as well, but he is going to stay.

"He is a great player, he has shown that before and he has to show it again. He has to be the player we know that he is."

Bale's start in Vigo came after Eden Hazard sustained a thigh injury in training and it remains to be seen if he can keep his place when the Belgian returns after the international break.

"Bale played well the other day, a great match overall but also his level defensively was very high," said Zidane.

"He worked hard and we have to continue in this way, Gareth, everyone, they are all going to be important."

The transfer window in Spain does not close until September 2 and Zidane was asked about the future of goalkeeper Keylor Navas, as well as Real Madrid's pursuit of Paris Saint-Germain striker Neymar.

Barcelona and Madrid are both chasing Neymar but neither have agreed a deal with PSG, who reportedly set Barca a deadline of Friday to present a suitable offer.

"The players I have are the ones that are here. Everything else, anything can happen until September 2. Some can arrive, some can go," Zidane said.

"For that reason I can't wait for September 2 so you won't ask me about this anymore."

Navas has lost out to Thibaut Courtois in the battle for the number one goalkeeper spot and the Costa Rican is believed to be seeking a move before the window closes.

"He has not told me he wants to leave," Zidane said. "I am not contemplating him leaving, not at all. "He is here, he wants to be here and he is working in that way. He has always been professional."

https://www.sport24.co.za/Soccer/In...o-be-the-player-we-know-he-is-zidane-20190823
 
Gareth Bale was sent off in stoppage time after scoring two goals to rescue a point for Real Madrid against Villarreal in La Liga.

Bale, who seemed set to leave Madrid this summer, was shown both yellow cards in stoppage time after ending his 169-day league scoring drought.

Villarreal had taken an early lead through Gerard Moreno but Bale opened his account on the stroke of half-time.

Moi Gomez put the hosts back in front but Bale hit a late equaliser.

Villarreal started well and were rewarded when Moreno seized on the loose ball after Thibaut Courtois parried Karl Toko Ekambi's low shot.

The visitors grew into the game and equalised on the stroke of half time when Bale scored his first league goal since manager Zinedine Zidane said "it would be best for everyone" if the forward left the club.

Madrid were dominant after the interval and Toni Kroos was denied by a brilliant double save by Andres Fernandez before Karim Benzema's effort was ruled out for offside.

Gomez appeared to have scored a close-range winner against the run of play after Moreno's shot was parried by Courtois, only for Javier Ontiveros to send the ball back across goal for the midfielder to tap in.

But Bale salvaged a point for his side when he cut in on his left to drive the ball past Fernandez before picking up his first booking for an indiscretion in the 92nd minute.

With the clock ticking down, Bale was shown his second yellow for a high boot two minutes after his first.

The Welshman becomes only the second Madrid player, after Cristiano Ronaldo, to score a La Liga double and be sent off in the same match this century.

The result sees Madrid climb to fifth in the La Liga table, while Villarreal move to 16th.

https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/49545706
 
Real Madrid star Gareth Bale says his critics do not know what they are talking about.

Bale, 30, will lead Wales against Azerbaijan in Cardiff on Friday night after a turbulent spell in his career.

But the forward insists he has not been affected by a summer when he almost left Real for China after being marginalised under Zinedine Zidane.

"I don't listen to them (the critics) because they don't really know what they are on about," Bale explained.

"I don't read anything, I don't listen to anyone.

"I know most people don't know the situation, don't understand the situation. What they write means nothing."

Real boss Zidane said in July it would be "best for everyone" if Bale left the Bernabeu, where he has won four Champions League titles since joining from Tottenham in an £85m deal in 2013.

Bale's agent, Jonathan Barnett, responded by describing the French World Cup winner as "a disgrace" and accused him of showing a lack of respect.

Bale was booed by sections of Real's support last season as the Spanish giants endured a difficult campaign.

The 77-cap star was widely criticised for lacking ambition when the move to Chinese club Jiangsu Suning appeared close, while former Wales boss John Toshack - the man who gave Bale his international debut - said he had been wrong not to learn Spanish and attacked him for hiding behind his agent.

"I am a professional, I am paid to play football," Bale said.

"Obviously you go through ups and downs and people like to say whatever they want. At the end of the day I know I keep working hard in training and doing the correct things."

Bale added that the summer of uncertainty had not impacted on him "too much".

"I had a great summer holiday," he added.

"Coming back to pre-season I just kept my head down. I know there was a lot of talk with everybody saying good, bad, whatever they wanted. I just kept my head down, kept working hard in training.

"The things that happened will stay private with the club. If you want answers, maybe you need to ask Real Madrid."

Bale's move to China was called off by Real at the last minute and he has since returned to the first-team picture, starting their three La Liga games so far this season.

He scored twice in last weekend's 2-2 draw with Villarreal, his first goals since he netted against Celta Vigo in March.

But Bale feels he has had at least one tougher spell in his career.

"It's obviously not been great," he said. "But I remember not playing for a year under Harry Redknapp (at Spurs).

"It's not been ideal but I have been here before, I know how to deal with it. It's about keeping the head down and working hard and I think you always get rewarded for the work you put in.

"I had a good pre-season in terms of training - not so much in games - then started the season well. Things in football I know can turn quickly. It's a matter of time always."

Thanks in part to injury problems, Bale has made only 79 La Liga starts in the last four seasons.

But having turned 30 in July, the former Southampton youngster says he is in peak condition.

"I feel good. I feel probably stronger than ever at the moment," he added.

"When you get older you learn from mistakes in the past, doing a bit more prevention work in the gym and keeping yourself fitter.

"I feel in very good shape, hopefully I can stay on top of that and keep playing well."

https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/49590354
 
Real Madrid forward Gareth Bale is "angry" and "fed up" at the Spanish giants and wants to leave the club, according to BBC Radio 5 Live's Guillem Balague.

Bale had been set to join Chinese Super League side Jiangsu Suning on a three-year contract in the summer - earning a reported £1m a week - but Real cancelled the deal because they wanted a transfer fee.

In July, Real manager Zinedine Zidane said "we hope he leaves soon", a comment to which Bale's agent Jonathan Barnett replied: "Zidane is a disgrace - he shows no respect for a player that has done so much for Real Madrid."

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 more than 100 goals.

After the collapse of his move to China, the 30-year-old Wales international pulled out of a pre-season game in Munich - understood to be because he was not in the right mental state to play.

He has returned to the Real team this season, scoring twice in seven matches as they have moved to the top of La Liga.

But he was left out of the squad for last week's Champions League game against Club Bruges, before returning to the starting line-up for the 4-2 win against Granada on Saturday.

"Gareth Bale is fed up," said Balague. "He can do this no longer. At a time when he began to stand out, knowing that as he plays matches his fitness would be sharpened, he suddenly had to watch the game against Bruges in the stands. Nobody knows why.

"He is angry, confused. When Zidane returned to the club, he decided he did not want Bale, without anyone having offered a clear reasoning.

"Bale was told that Zidane, with whom he has a professional relationship, had made an unequivocal decision and was preparing for his departure.

"His agent, Jonathan Barnett, set out to find him alternative options, but Bale preferred - ahead of any other possibility - to remain at the club.

"What the Welshman does not quite understand is why the doors were opened, and then they did not let him go. Madrid agreed not to charge a transfer fee to the Chinese side Jiangsu Suning, but ultimately they backed down because they believed that another Chinese team were willing to pay a large amount for James Rodriguez, a rumour that ended up being false.

"Bale has played well in recent weeks - partly because he is angry - in response to the distance and coldness with which the coach treats him, and he has finally rebelled at his situation.

"It is said that he likes golf more than football, and it is true that he does not live the profession with the intensity of others, either on or off the pitch.

"He only asks for minutes to be able to give his best and to be able to offer goals to the team, something they lack.

"Leaving him out of the game against Bruges is difficult to understand, and has been the last straw.

"For the first time since he arrived at Real Madrid in the summer of 2013, the Welshman wants to leave. He feels that it is not fair what is being done with him."

https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/amp/football/49953230?__twitter_impression=true
 
Gareth Bale says he is not distracted by continuing speculation over his future at club side Real Madrid.

The 30-year-old is "angry" and "fed up" at the Spanish giants and wants to leave the club, according to BBC Radio 5 Live's Guillem Balague.

Bale says he is focused on Wales amid the latest speculation as he prepares to face Slovakia in Trnava on Thursday.

"I love meeting up with Wales, everyone knows that; I haven't got anything to clear my mind about," he said.

"We have a task at hand to try to qualify and this is a massive game. We want to put ourselves right back in the mix."

Bale had been set to join Chinese Super League side Jiangsu Suning on a three-year contract in the summer - earning a reported £1m a week - but Real cancelled the deal because they wanted a transfer fee.

In July, Real manager Zinedine Zidane said "we hope he leaves soon", a comment to which Bale's agent Jonathan Barnett replied: "Zidane is a disgrace - he shows no respect for a player that has done so much for Real Madrid."

Bale has returned to the Real team this season, scoring twice in seven matches as they have moved to the top of La Liga.

The forward downplayed the notion that he is "angry" when asked abut his current situation at Real Madrid.

"I think you play with a lot of emotion and anger comes into it of course, but I am just trying to play football, to enjoy it as much as I can and give my best, whether I am here or in Madrid," he said.

"Whenever I step onto the pitch I give 100% to help the team and I will continue to do that."

Wales boss Ryan Giggs believes Bale's situation at Madrid has improved and says his impressive club form can be of benefit to the national side.

"I'm not too sure. I think now, looking from the outside, things have improved," Giggs said.

"The way that he's playing - which is all that footballers want to do, they want to play, they want to get minutes, they want to do well - I've always said he's at a fantastic club.

"Of course, it would have unsettled him because it was apparently very close for him going.

"But things might have changed. Things do change quite quickly in football and now he's playing, he's loved, he's happy, and I expect him to carry on doing what he's doing for Real Madrid.

"If Gareth Bale is at your club and he's training well and he gets the chance to play, he's always going to keep you interested because he can turn a game on its head, he can score goals and he's such an asset.

"So I'm not surprised in that respect. I was surprised with what happened in the summer - I think everyone from the outside thought it was a bit strange, but it seems like everything has gone a bit quiet now.

"I think that's all you ask for - for players to be in good form for their clubs and then take it into the international arena.

"Gareth just scored the winner against Azerbaijan and he's a huge part [of the team]. He's our best player and he's been captain as well recently. He's a big player, obviously, for us."

https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/49994071
 
Sky Sports News reporting that Real Madrid are preparing an offer of £70million plus Gareth Bale in exchange for Raheem Sterling
 
The reason why Zidane and RM fans treat him with such disrespect is simply because they cannot stand a successful British footballer playing for their club.
 
Real Madrid are preparing to test Manchester City’s resolve with an audacious offer of Gareth Bale plus £70m in exchange for Raheem Sterling.

Sky Sports News understands representatives from Real will travel to watch Sterling's performances for England next month, at home to Montenegro and away to Kosovo, before deciding on the final details of a proposal to City.

Sterling's representatives met with Real's general director Jose Angel Sanchez in the summer in a failed bid to tempt City's forward to the Bernabeu.

However, Real president Florentino Perez knows another 12 months without a deal will see Sterling's £150m present valuation increase further still.

Privately City, and in particular manager Pep Guardiola, are understood to have little interest in signing the 30-year old Welshman.

Equally, if Bale chooses to remain with Real, then Perez will have to part with a figure close to the world record £200m paid to Barcelona by Paris Saint-Germain for Neymar.

Sterling has made no secret of his desire to play in La Liga - but with more reports on Monday in Spain that Bale wants to bring an end to his time in La Liga, Perez believes a bold deal, involving two of the biggest names in world football, could potentially be agreed with City.

Real's interest in Sterling is well known behind the scenes at the Etihad. For their part City are desperate to keep hold of the player they bought from Liverpool in 2015 for £49m - a then-record for an English player.

Meanwhile, Leroy Sane has failed to agree a new deal at City and Bayern president Uli Hoeness is increasingly confident of landing the German international, which could see the club's four wingers reduced to just two by the end of the campaign.

For Perez, the pressure increases to rejuvenate a club still reeling from the loss of Cristiano Ronaldo.

He first tried to sign Sterling as a precocious 19-year old talent, when he won the 'Golden Boy' award, judging him to be the best young talent in Europe in 2014.

Sterling, who has scored seven goals in 10 appearances this season, has three years left on the £280,000-a-week deal he signed a year ago and is unlikely to demand that City let him go.

However, with Real interested, it is clear City will have some big decisions to make in the weeks ahead.

https://www.skysports.com/football/...l-madrid-plan-gareth-bale-70m-bid-for-forward
 
topspin said:
The reason why Zidane and RM fans treat him with such disrespect is simply because they cannot stand a successful British footballer playing for their club.
Click to expand...

That is a strange conspiracy theory. While Bale has had some great moments at the club, he has not performed consistently enough for a number of seasons now and is very injury prone.

He is 30 now and has always been heavily reliant on his explosive pace and power, which he has started to lose with age and more so with injuries.

He is the highest earning player in the world after Messi, Ronaldo and Neymar but his output doesn’t justify the money that he is earning.

Madrid have a considerable history of British players at the club and there is no reason for them to dislike Bale because of his nationality.
 
Mamoon said:
That is a strange conspiracy theory. While Bale has had some great moments at the club, he has not performed consistently enough for a number of seasons now and is very injury prone.

He is 30 now and has always been heavily reliant on his explosive pace and power, which he has started to lose with age and more so with injuries.

He is the highest earning player in the world after Messi, Ronaldo and Neymar but his output doesn’t justify the money that he is earning.

Madrid have a considerable history of British players at the club and there is no reason for them to dislike Bale because of his nationality.
Click to expand...

No Mamoon, it is not a "conspiracy theory" but rather an open secret. I have gathered thoughts on this from other fans as well, who mostly concur with me on this.

Real Madrid fans have always scapegoated him even though he's been a clutch performer, as he showed in some of their Champions League Finals. In La Liga he has scored 80 goals in 161 appearances and 104 overall in 238 appearances for the club. But bare in mind his overall record would have been significantly better had he not been mistreated by Zidane, who has limited his game time in recent years.

I suggest casting your mind back to July, when Zidane publicly made some unsavoury remarks such as "we hope he leaves soon" and "best for everyone if Bale left Madrid this summer". I'm a big fan of Zidane as a footballer but I have a lost a bit respect for him for following this approach. Please don't defend something that is indefensible.
 
topspin said:
No Mamoon, it is not a "conspiracy theory" but rather an open secret. I have gathered thoughts on this from other fans as well, who mostly concur with me on this.

Real Madrid fans have always scapegoated him even though he's been a clutch performer, as he showed in some of their Champions League Finals. In La Liga he has scored 80 goals in 161 appearances and 104 overall in 238 appearances for the club. But bare in mind his overall record would have been significantly better had he not been mistreated by Zidane, who has limited his game time in recent years.

I suggest casting your mind back to July, when Zidane publicly made some unsavoury remarks such as "we hope he leaves soon" and "best for everyone if Bale left Madrid this summer". I'm a big fan of Zidane as a footballer but I have a lost a bit respect for him for following this approach. Please don't defend something that is indefensible.
Click to expand...

It is not Zidane or Madrid’s fault that he is extremely injury prone and cannot be relied on because he can find himself on the sidelines any time.

Yes he has been a clutch player, but considering his age and the amount of money that he earns, Madrid needs him to produce week in week out and not perform in patches.

Take a look at his goal tally in the last three seasons: 14, 21 and 9. That is awful for a player at his age and at his wage.

Madrid is fully justified in wanting to move him on. At this stage of his career, he is not going to get better. By now, he should have been among the top 5 players in the world, but he hasn’t kicked on in the last 3-4 years.

He simply hasn’t developed into the 30+ goals per season player that Madrid hoped. He is grossly overpaid for the output that he produces, and Madrid can use the money and reinvest in more efficient players who will improve the overall squad and will not be overpaid.

The British media wouldn’t be moaning over the so-called mistreatment if he wasn’t one of their own. They need to realize that Bale is very much responsible for the situation that he is in at the moment.

His best season for Madrid is still his first one (2013-14) which explains everything.
 
Mamoon said:
It is not Zidane or Madrid’s fault that he is extremely injury prone and cannot be relied on because he can find himself on the sidelines any time.

Yes he has been a clutch player, but considering his age and the amount of money that he earns, Madrid needs him to produce week in week out and not perform in patches.

Take a look at his goal tally in the last three seasons: 14, 21 and 9. That is awful for a player at his age and at his wage.

Madrid is fully justified in wanting to move him on. At this stage of his career, he is not going to get better. By now, he should have been among the top 5 players in the world, but he hasn’t kicked on in the last 3-4 years.

He simply hasn’t developed into the 30+ goals per season player that Madrid hoped. He is grossly overpaid for the output that he produces, and Madrid can use the money and reinvest in more efficient players who will improve the overall squad and will not be overpaid.

The British media wouldn’t be moaning over the so-called mistreatment if he wasn’t one of their own. They need to realize that Bale is very much responsible for the situation that he is in at the moment.

His best season for Madrid is still his first one (2013-14) which explains everything.
Click to expand...

Of course it is not Zidane or Madrid's fault that Bale is injury prone but does that justify Zidane publicly shaming his player in that manner not once but twice?

Hitting 30+ goals per season was never a realistic target with Ronaldo being the main man of the side until the 17/18 season. If Bale was fit and playing under a manager who was not only competent but had actually valued him, I would have backed him to have scored 30 goals last season.

"Madrid is fully justified in wanting to move him on"

This is incorrect, Real Madrid have never wanted him out, otherwise they wouldn't have renewed his contract a few years ago and they certainly wouldn't have pulled the plug on that proposed transfer to China three months ago. It was always Zidane who was forcing the move, when he started his hate campaign.

This report (published last Friday) reinforces my view on this matter and explicitly mentions "Real Madrid have told Zinedine Zidane he must move past his personal differences with Gareth Bale for the benefit of the club".

https://www.express.co.uk/sport/foo...er-news-Gareth-Bale-Zinedine-Zidane-ultimatum

"His best season for Madrid is still his first one (2013-14) which explains everything"

This is debatable and the way you have mentioned it is also misleading, as you're implying he's tailed off since then. If this was true, again I repeat his club wouldn't have renewed his contract.

One could argue he had a better season in 2015/16 (albeit injury hit), when he scored 19 goals in 23 La Liga appearances. Unfortunately for him he didn't add to his European goal tally but 19 goals from 31 appearances in all tournaments is still impressive, when you consider he wasn't even playing for half the season.

He also did well in 2017/18, which yielded 16 goals in 26 La Liga matches and overall 21 goals from 39 appearances in all matches played in that season.
 
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topspin said:
Of course it is not Zidane or Madrid's fault that Bale is injury prone but does that justify Zidane publicly shaming his player in that manner not once but twice?

Hitting 30+ goals per season was never a realistic target with Ronaldo being the main man of the side until the 17/18 season. If Bale was fit and playing under a manager who was not only competent but had actually valued him, I would have backed him to have scored 30 goals last season.

"Madrid is fully justified in wanting to move him on"

This is incorrect, Real Madrid have never wanted him out, otherwise they wouldn't have renewed his contract a few years ago and they certainly wouldn't have pulled the plug on that proposed transfer to China three months ago. It was always Zidane who was forcing the move, when he started his hate campaign.

This report (published last Friday) reinforces my view on this matter and explicitly mentions "Real Madrid have told Zinedine Zidane he must move past his personal differences with Gareth Bale for the benefit of the club".

https://www.express.co.uk/sport/foo...er-news-Gareth-Bale-Zinedine-Zidane-ultimatum

"His best season for Madrid is still his first one (2013-14) which explains everything"

This is debatable and the way you have mentioned it is also misleading, as you're implying he's tailed off since then. If this was true, again I repeat his club wouldn't have renewed his contract.

One could argue he had a better season in 2015/16 (albeit injury hit), when he scored 19 goals in 23 La Liga appearances. Unfortunately for him he didn't add to his European goal tally but 19 goals from 31 appearances in all tournaments is still impressive, when you consider he wasn't even playing for half the season.

He also did well in 2017/18, which yielded 16 goals in 26 La Liga matches and overall 21 goals from 39 appearances in all matches played in that season.
Click to expand...

There was no Ronaldo last season and Bale only scored 14 goals. If Ronaldo preventers him from hitting 30+ goals, what happened last season? Blaming the manager and tactics is easy but that doesn’t explain why Benzema scored 30 goals. Last season destroyed the myth that Ronaldo was holding him back. The fact is that he is not as good as some think. He is world class but not in the very elite category like Neymar and Mbappe or even Sterling.

Madrid gave him a new contract in 2016 when he was 27 years old and they were hoping to see him kick on and take his game up a level. However, he has made no progress in the last 3 years and in fact, it can be argued that he has regressed on some fronts.

They blocked his move to China last summer because it is pointless to lose him when there is no available replacement on the market and they failed to land Neymar which would have pushed Bale out of the door. They are now waiting for Mbappe whose move to Madrid is only a question of when and not if. Bale doesn’t deserve a new contract and his deal expires in 2022, which means Madrid will definitely cash on him either next summer or the one after.

Meanwhile Bale is happy to be considered a disposable player as long as as he gets to play golf while earning a fortune. This is one of the reasons why he hasn’t kicked on to become one of the top 5 players in the world. The hunger and determination are not strong enough to complement his talent.
 
Mamoon said:
There was no Ronaldo last season and Bale only scored 14 goals. If Ronaldo preventers him from hitting 30+ goals, what happened last season? Blaming the manager and tactics is easy but that doesn’t explain why Benzema scored 30 goals. Last season destroyed the myth that Ronaldo was holding him back. The fact is that he is not as good as some think. He is world class but not in the very elite category like Neymar and Mbappe or even Sterling.

Madrid gave him a new contract in 2016 when he was 27 years old and they were hoping to see him kick on and take his game up a level. However, he has made no progress in the last 3 years and in fact, it can be argued that he has regressed on some fronts.

They blocked his move to China last summer because it is pointless to lose him when there is no available replacement on the market and they failed to land Neymar which would have pushed Bale out of the door. They are now waiting for Mbappe whose move to Madrid is only a question of when and not if. Bale doesn’t deserve a new contract and his deal expires in 2022, which means Madrid will definitely cash on him either next summer or the one after.

Meanwhile Bale is happy to be considered a disposable player as long as as he gets to play golf while earning a fortune. This is one of the reasons why he hasn’t kicked on to become one of the top 5 players in the world. The hunger and determination are not strong enough to complement his talent.
Click to expand...

I admit I expected Bale to step up, but his performance last season was also compounded by a horrible coach to begin with, who was sacked with Zidane subsequently reappointed at his expense. Bale's playing time was limited because he was treated like crap by him. Yes he made 29 appearances in La Liga but seldom did we see him play in excess of 75 minutes.

This is why I mentioned in my last post: "If Bale was fit and playing under a manager who was not only competent but had actually valued him, I would have backed him to have scored 30 goals last season".

As for Benzema's goal scoring accomplishments last season - Zidane has always vouched for him even though he's largely been a liability for the team. But this doesn't surprise me because he's always had a soft touch for Benzema and I believe this stems from the fact that they are both of Algerian ethnicity.

Now contrast this to Zidane's mistreatment of Bale and how he did everything in his power to drive a hate campaign towards him with those stinking remarks. Despite all this, he has failed to get what he wants because Bale has been retained at Real Madrid for his 7th season. This is a testament to how much of an asset he is to the club.
 
Bale is not interested in football anymore. He has won everything at Real Madrid, he also has been to a major tournament with Wales.

He is happy just picking up his wages. Real Madrid can’t get rid of him because no one will pay his wages.

He was never worth the money they paid for him. He has decent patches and turned up in big games but can’t remember him having a season like he did in 2012/2013 which was his last season for Spurs.
 
topspin said:
I admit I expected Bale to step up, but his performance last season was also compounded by a horrible coach to begin with, who was sacked with Zidane subsequently reappointed at his expense. Bale's playing time was limited because he was treated like crap by him. Yes he made 29 appearances in La Liga but seldom did we see him play in excess of 75 minutes.

This is why I mentioned in my last post: "If Bale was fit and playing under a manager who was not only competent but had actually valued him, I would have backed him to have scored 30 goals last season".

As for Benzema's goal scoring accomplishments last season - Zidane has always vouched for him even though he's largely been a liability for the team. But this doesn't surprise me because he's always had a soft touch for Benzema and I believe this stems from the fact that they are both of Algerian ethnicity.

Now contrast this to Zidane's mistreatment of Bale and how he did everything in his power to drive a hate campaign towards him with those stinking remarks. Despite all this, he has failed to get what he wants because Bale has been retained at Real Madrid for his 7th season. This is a testament to how much of an asset he is to the club.
Click to expand...

Benzema has been far from a liability. He is arguably the most selfless team player of his generation. A proper world class number 9 who has sacrificed himself for the team and doesn’t mind playing second or even third fiddle. It is extremely rare to find a top player like him with no ego.

He could have left Madrid 4-5 years ago and establish himself as the main man at a club like Arsenal or Man United, and people would now be putting him in the same bracket as Lewandowski, Aguero, Suarez, Cavani etc. You can say that he lacks ambition and it has probably costed him a World Cup winners medal as well, but he is the perfect professional for his club.

As far as Bale is concerned, you seem to be dumping all of his shortcomings and failures on Zidane’s head.
 
Mamoon said:
Benzema has been far from a liability. He is arguably the most selfless team player of his generation. A proper world class number 9 who has sacrificed himself for the team and doesn’t mind playing second or even third fiddle. It is extremely rare to find a top player like him with no ego.

He could have left Madrid 4-5 years ago and establish himself as the main man at a club like Arsenal or Man United, and people would now be putting him in the same bracket as Lewandowski, Aguero, Suarez, Cavani etc. You can say that he lacks ambition and it has probably costed him a World Cup winners medal as well, but he is the perfect professional for his club.

As far as Bale is concerned, you seem to be dumping all of his shortcomings and failures on Zidane’s head.
Click to expand...

Benzema has been a liability in front of goal for Real Madrid and this can be demonstrated by the fact that his goals/matches for Real Madrid is very similar to Bale, even though the former plays as a pure centre forward. Now if we were to probe into this further and consider goals per minute during their Real Madrid careers, I am pretty sure Bale would come out on top. That is pretty embarrassing for a pure centre forward!

Barring 2015/16 season, his record is nothing special for a Real Madrid striker. Due to his lack of quality upfront, he is wise enough to realise he has no choice but to be selfless otherwise he wouldn't have much of a career at Real Madrid.

With the luxury of service on offer he has had countless opportunities in front of goal to cement a superior legacy to the likes of Aguero, Suarez and etc but he hasn't been good enough to convert them into something tangible.

Aubameyang is also far superior to him as well, who I consider to be a very unlucky to be playing for us, since he is accompanied with some rubbish players around him. Based on this, perhaps it's him who could be considered as a player who lacks ambition.
 
Euro 2020 qualifier: Azerbaijan v Wales
Venue: Bakcell Arena, Baku Date: Saturday, 16 November Kick-off: 17:00 GMT

Gareth Bale says he is "more excited" playing for Wales than Real Madrid and has laughed off criticism from the Spanish media.

The forward, 30, has been criticised in Spain for training with Wales despite not playing for Real for a month.

But before Wales' crucial Euro 2020 qualifier in Azerbaijan on Saturday, he said he had no case to answer.

"With Wales, I'm speaking my own language and feeling more comfortable," said Bale.

"I definitely have a bit more excitement playing for Wales.

"I've been with most of the players, especially the older ones, since we were in the Under-17s. It's like playing with your mates down the park on a Sunday.

"But it still doesn't change what I give on the pitch. I always give 100% wherever I am, and that's what I always strive to do."

Spanish newspaper Marca described Bale training with his national side as the 'Miracle in Wales', as he had not played for Real since injuring his calf during his country's 1-1 draw with Croatia in October.

Former Real striker and director of football Predrag Mijatović then claimed Bale prioritised Wales - and even his interest in golf - over his club side.

That prompted one Wales fan to print a flag which will be on display in Tuesday's qualifier against Hungary at Cardiff City Stadium, reading: 'Wales. Golf. Madrid. In that order.'

"I've heard some stories but I don't really take notice," Bale said. "My friends tend to send me some funny pictures or whatever they write.

"I find it hilarious to be honest, especially some of the pictures and stuff my friends send me. On one, it said 'triple bogey' and I've never had a triple bogey! At least give me an albatross! It's funny.

"Some of the things I have seen, people don't understand and don't know what they're on about, so I just find it quite funny.

"I've tried to get back [to fitness] as quick as I can. If there had been a Real Madrid game this week, I would've been fit and training to play.

"Maybe to them [the Spanish media] it doesn't look great but it's just a kind of coincidence that the national team comes around this week and I've returned to full training.

"If I'm fit, no matter where I am, I'm going to try and play, whether it be for Wales or Madrid. For me it was a no-brainer: if I'm fit to play then I'll give it my all."

Bale is lacking match fitness and after a similar spell on the sidelines before June's double-header in Croatia and Hungary, he admitted it was a struggle to play two matches in quick succession having played so little beforehand.

But before the final two pool matches of Wales' Euro 2020 qualifying campaign, Bale is confident he has trained enough to feature in both games.

To qualify automatically, Wales must win in Azerbaijan on Saturday and then against Hungary in Cardiff on Tuesday, while also relying on Slovakia to drop points either in Croatia on Saturday or at home to Azerbaijan on Tuesday.

"We understand how big the games are," Bale added.

"My fitness, I've done my rehab, done a full week's training. Obviously there are two big games and I'm not sure if I'll play the two whole 90 minutes but I'll do my best to play as much as I can.

"I fully understand the position I'm in. I've done as much as I can in terms of trying to get back as quick as I can.

"We've done 11 v 11 to try and get some match fitness in me. I'm as prepared as I can be. The only thing I can do is give my best, which I always do."



https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/50431998
 
Real Madrid striker Gareth Bale has received heavy criticism in the Spanish media after celebrating Wales Euro 2020 qualification with a contentious flag.

Marca's response to Bale posing with a "Wales. Golf. Madrid. In that order" flag was to run a headline of 'Disrespectful. Misguided. Ungrateful. In that order.'

The AS newspaper ran "Bale gets in a hole", in a jibe at his love of golf.

Bale has not featured for Real since 5 October but returned to play for Wales.

His return for international duty with Wales for crucial wins against Azerbaijan and Hungary was dubbed by the Spanish media as the 'Miracle in Wales'.

One former Real player turned media analyst, Pedja Mijatovic, recently said of Bale: "The first thing he thinks about is Wales, then golf and after that, Real Madrid."

Wales fans turned that criticism into a 'Wales. Golf. Madrid' chant which Bale himself admitted he found amusing.

His decision to pose with a flag bearing the motto after the 2-0 victory over Hungary that sealed Wales' Euro 2020 qualification has unsurprisingly not gone down well back in Spain.

Marca describe Bale's celebration as "unworthy of Madrid" but say the former Tottenham Hotspur winger won't be punished and indicate the Wales striker still has some support in the Spanish capital.

The newspaper's front page also says the club and manager Zinedine Zidane fear the reaction of fans on Saturday when they host Real Sociedad in La Liga.

Madrid based paper AS report Real Madrid's hierarchy consider it "a joke in very bad taste" and claim "his mockery has filled Madrid's patience."

Bale has long been criticised in Spain for preferring a round of golf and prioritising playing for Wales over turning out for his club.

When asked about the sarcasm aimed at him in Spain when he arrived at the latest international camp, Bale said: "I've heard some stories but I don't really take notice.

"My friends tend to send me some funny pictures or whatever they write.

"I find it hilarious to be honest, especially some of the pictures and stuff my friends send me.

"On one, it said 'triple bogey' and I've never had a triple bogey! At least give me an albatross! It's funny."

https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/50499844
 
Gareth Bale made his first Real Madrid start since 5 October as Zinedine Zidane's side moved top of La Liga with victory at Alaves.

Real captain Sergio Ramos opened the scoring with a flicked header 10 minutes into the second half.

Lucas Perez equalised from the penalty spot, but Dani Carvajal bundled home from close range to earn Real the win.

Barcelona will return to the top of the table if they beat Atletico Madrid on Sunday.

Real produced one of their best performances of the campaign against Paris St-Germain on Tuesday but lacked intensity at the Mendizorrotza Stadium, struggling to create clear-cut opportunities in a frustrating first half.

Bale, making his first start since suffering a calf injury at the beginning of October, had been heavily criticised by sections of the Spanish press after posing with a 'Wales. Golf. Madrid. In that order' flag while on international duty earlier this month.

But the winger started brightly and went closest to breaking the deadlock before half-time, heading Isco's cross on to the post via a heavy deflection off Ximo Navarro.

Ramos eventually nodded the visitors into the lead from Toni Kroos' delivery, but the Real skipper conceded a penalty when he collided with Joselu inside the area.

Former Arsenal striker Perez sent Alphonse Areola the wrong way from the spot, but Carvajal restored Madrid's lead four minutes later after Isco's header had rebounded off the post.

The win lifts Zidane's team three points clear of second-placed Barcelona, who have played a game fewer.

https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/50614421
 
Gareth Bale "is not ecstatic" at Real Madrid but there's "no guarantee" he will leave the Spanish club in January, says his agent Jonathan Barnett.

Wales forward Bale, 30, has won the Champions League four times in six years with Real but nearly joined China's Jiangsu Suning in the summer.

"He has never asked to leave," said Barnett on the Euro Leagues Podcast.

"He has a contract with Real Madrid and as long as they want him, there's not much anyone can do about it."

Bale moved from Tottenham to Real for a then-world record fee of £85m in September 2013 and has also helped them win three Club World Cups, three Uefa Super Cups, La Liga once, the Copa del Rey once, as well as his Champions League successes.

However, in July he had been set to move to China on a three-year contract where he would have earned a reported £1m a week, before the deal collapsed when Real demanded a transfer fee.

Gareth Bale
Gareth Bale scored twice in the Champions League final in 2018, once in the 2014 final and scored a penalty in the shootout in the 2016 final
At the time, Real boss Zidane said Bale's exit would be "best for everyone" and the Welshman has since endured a strained relationship with the Spanish press and fans, who booed him during last month's match against Real Sociedad.

Asked whether Bale was happy, Barnett said: "He's not ecstatic.

"He has got a contract and as long as he is a Real Madrid player he will play at 100% - and do very well. He wants to win the championship and the European championship and everything else. It will not affect his performance.

"The facts and figures prove if he is on the field for Real Madrid they have a better chance of winning.

"No-one has ever accused him of not giving 100% and a 100% Gareth Bale is one of the best players in the world. The coach should be happy and honoured he is on the pitch for him.

"There's no guarantee he is leaving. If the right opportunity came along for him and it's something he wants to do we have to have a chat with the president of Real Madrid and see where we are."

Listen to Steve Crossman, Guillem Balague, Mina Rzouki, Jonathan Barnett and Aitor Karanka on the Euro Leagues Podcast.
Wales, golf, Madrid flag a response to 'infantile' press
Wales flag
The Wales players, including Gareth Bale (centre) celebrating after they secured qualification for Euro 2020
Bale was pictured celebrating last month with a flag that said 'Wales, golf, Madrid - in that order' following Wales' qualification for Euro 2020.

The quote is a reference to how Bale's commitment to the club was described in an interview by former Real player Pedrag Mijatovic, someone who Barnett says 'does not know Bale'.

The Spanish newspapers had already criticised the forward after he failed to play for his club for a month because of injury, in between making international appearances for Wales - with one paper calling it the "Miracle in Wales".

"It [the flag] was directed only to the media because they had been writing very infantile and stupid stories from people that do not know him," added Barnett.

"The truth is he has done fantastically for Real Madrid in the years he has been there and helped them win so much.

"It's hard to imagine why the crowd react the way they do to him and listen to people that say things in the press. People say it would be better if he speaks the language but he speaks fluent Spanish and people write things that are complete rubbish.

"Gareth does not really like speaking to the the press and that's his prerogative.

"He is not an entertainer as such, he's a footballer, he speaks on the field and his results have been amazing. People should realise that and start applauding him for what he is achieving."

Bale 'still one of the best footballers on Earth'
Gareth Bale and Real team-mates
Real Madrid are second in La Liga, level on points with leaders Barcelona, and through to the last 16 of the Champions League
Bale was booed when he came on as a substitute in Real's 3-1 win over Real Sociedad on 23 November but received a better reaction three days later for the Champions League game against Paris St-Germain.

Former Middlesbrough boss Aitor Karanka, who played for Real and was their assistant manager between 2010 and 2013, said: "I was there that day [for the Sociedad match] and it was unbelievable.

"The Bernabeu is so demanding and they boo when you do not play well but it was almost the whole stadium [booing]. But the following game against PSG it was forgotten.

"But I didn't hear anything bad from his team-mates and for me that's vital. No-one in the changing room is criticising him - it's the opposite - and everyone wants Bale, everybody likes him and everybody knows how important he is for the team."

Spanish football journalist Guillem Balague, another guest on the Euro Leagues Podcast, revealed that Real Madrid had recently held a 'Secret Santa' and defender Marcelo bought Bale a solitary golf club as a joke Christmas present.

Barnett added that the Real players and staff would only have a problem with Bale if he did not perform in matches.

"Gareth is the same as Mr Zidane - he only cares about what he does on the pitch," added Barnett. "He will give 100% and what has gone on before will stay private and he will keep it that way.

"[The stories about golf] are ridiculous. It's his hobby, he trains with Real Madrid as hard as anybody, is never late for training, always on time and still one of the best footballers on Earth.

"So he plays golf - and is very good - but it's ridiculous. It [the coverage] is a joke and the more the press write about it the funnier the joke becomes with the players."

https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/50675061
 
Gareth Bale will not be leaving Real Madrid in January and is "unlikely" to leave this summer, according to his agent Jonathan Barnett.

Bale's contract at the Bernabeu runs until 2022 and despite being close to a move to China at the start of the season, he is now set to stay at Real.

The Wales winger has been linked with a return to his former club Tottenham.

Barnett says Bale is "going nowhere," this month despite previously saying he "was not ecstatic" at Real Madrid.

The 30-year-old was close to leaving for China last summer, while he has endured a difficult season with Madrid's supporters booing him after posing with a flag that read: "Wales, golf, Madrid, in that order."

He joined Real from Tottenham in 2013 for a then world-record fee and has won the Champions League four times since moving to Spain.

Real are currently in Saudi Arabia competing for the Spanish Super Cup and will play Barcelona or Atletico Madrid in the final after beating Valencia 3-1 on Wednesday.

Bale missed the Valencia win with a chest infection and has been ruled out of Sunday's final.

https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/51052556
 
Gareth Bale's agent Jonathan Barnett says he does not think his client will ever return to Tottenham.

The Wales international left Spurs for Real Madrid in 2013 for a then world-record £85m.

Barnett, who has often defended Bale in public after recent difficulties in the Spanish capital, says a move back to Spurs is not likely.

Asked whether it will ever happen, he told talkSPORT: "I don't think so, no. He's in a very fortunate position.

"When his contract is up hopefully he will sit down with me and his family and decide what he wants to do. Gareth is very happy over there.

"And let's be realistic, for most clubs he is out of their league, financially.

"It is all well and good to say, 'Go and give up that money and go and play somewhere else', but it is not all about money. It is about his lifestyle and his children, who have grown up in Madrid."

There was strong speculation linking Bale with a return to Tottenham last month, with reports suggesting the two clubs were in dialogue, and that Daniel Levy visited Madrid for talks.

While the Spurs chairman may have been in the Spanish capital, Barnett insists the north London club did not make a bid for Bale.

"No. He [Levy] may have [visited Madrid], it's not for me to say whether he did or didn't," Barnett said.

"A lot has been said by people who don't know anything about what is going on. You get articles by people who have absolutely no idea what they are talking about."

Bale's future has come under constant speculation ever since Zinedine Zidane's return to the club and the 30-year-old travelled to China in the summer transfer window before a move collapsed at the 11th hour.

He has had a fractious relationship with fans and was left out of the Madrid derby last week for tactical reasons.

Barnett insists Bale is happy in Spain and wants to see out his contract at the Bernabeu.

"Gareth believes there is still a future there for him," he added. "He has two-and-a-half more years there, he has a wife and three children who are happy.

"He is still a very important part of Real Madrid. The only people who know what are going on are Zinedine Zidane, Gareth and the president of Real Madrid. They know what is going on."

Meanwhile Bale has launched a new esports organisation called Ellevens Esports, with a team from the franchise set to make their debut at the FIFA eClub World Cup in Milan this week.

The venture is co-owned by Bale and 38 Entertainment Group, founded by investor Jonathan Kark and former footballer Larry Cohen.

Bale has also invited gamers from around the world to participate in a talent hunt where they will be given a chance to sign a professional contract with Ellevens Esports.

"There are similarities between football and esports in that it takes real dedication and sacrifice to reach the top of your game," Bale said in a statement.

https://www.skysports.com/football/...-tottenham-return-says-agent-jonathan-barnett
 
Gareth Bale says he is still a fan of former club Tottenham Hotspur as his Real Madrid future remains unclear.

Bale has been strongly linked with a move back to Spurs in recent months, having joined Spanish and European giants Madrid from the North London outfit in the summer of 2013 for £85 million.

However, sports agent Jonathan Barnett was quick to refute those claims with the Welshman's agent bleating out a familiar rhetoric over the 30-year-old star.

"Gareth believes there is still a future for him at Real Madrid, he has a wife and three children who are very happy and very content, and he has a lovely lifestyle," Barnett said.

"He is fortunately in a position where he can pick and choose where he wants to play."

Bale has also been strongly linked with Manchester United, but that move now looks off the table with the Red Devils said to already have an agreement in place to sign Jadon Sancho instead.

Nonetheless, Spanish paper AS are adamant Bale will depart the Bernabeu this summer and while they say a move to the Premier League looks 'highly unlikely' given the player’s excessive wage demands, they have again suggested a move to China or even MLS could be on.

However, Bale admits a big part of his heart remains at Tottenham and he admits he found it really tough to watch them being beaten by Liverpool in the Champions League final at the Wanda Metropolitano last June.

Speaking to BT Sport Bale, while discussing Real Madrid’s chances of glory, also felt his old team left a strong impression on the footballing world.

"We're normally going right to the end, or at least to the semi-finals," he joked when discussing Real Madrid’s exit from last year's competition.

"It was a bit strange not being there, of course.

"Everybody loves tuning in to watch the Champions League final, and obviously Tottenham were there so I had a keen interest, I was hoping they’d get to the final like they did.

"They had some great matches on the way, obviously in the semi-final.

"For us Tottenham fans it was a bit disappointing in the final, but you have to look at the bigger picture.

"They did great to get there and gave a good account of themselves."

Bale scored 56 goals and setting up 58 in 203 appearances during his time in north London and his latest comments will likely only add to speculation that a return to the club could be on the cards.

https://www.sport24.co.za/Soccer/EnglishPremiership/bale-still-a-big-tottenham-hotspur-fan-20200422
 
Gareth Bale "didn't want to play" in the Champions League last-16 second-leg tie against Manchester City, says Real Madrid boss Zinedine Zidane.

Wales forward Bale has been left out of Real's 24-man squad for Friday's match.

The 31-year-old only started 14 games in all competitions in 2019-20 and has played just twice since football in Spain restarted in June.

"It was a personal conversation I had with him. He preferred not to play," said Zidane.

"The rest remains between me and him but he said he didn't want to play."

BBC Sport understands Bale decided not to travel to Manchester because he knew he had no chance of being involved in the match.

City won 2-1 in the first leg in Spain in February before the coronavirus pandemic caused the competition to be halted for almost five months.

The winners of the tie will play either Lyon or Juventus in the quarter-finals.

Bale - who was set to move to Chinese Super League club Jiangsu Suning last summer before the deal fell through - has looked indifferent in recent weeks, including pretending to be asleep as a substitute as Real went on a 10-game winning run to become Spanish champions.

Asked if Bale's future lies in Madrid, Zidane said: "I don't know. Now he is a current player at Real Madrid. That has not changed. He is our player.

"I respect that and I respect him, like everyone else.

"He preferred not to play. That is the only thing I can tell you. The rest of us are all here, preparing for the game. The only thing we are concentrating on is the game."

https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/53687308
 
BALE 'WISHES HE WAS AT SPURS'

Real Madrid outcast Gareth Bale "wishes he was at Tottenham", claims former team-mate Andros Townsend.

He told TalkSport: “I think if anything the Bale situation, he'd want to go back to Spurs. The memories of Spurs. His happiness.

“'He would be like: "I wish I was at Spurs now and had the freedom to do whatever I want. To express myself and not worry about where I am now where I get scrutinised for playing golf."'
 
Wales forward Gareth Bale says he would be open to a return to the Premier League - but Real Madrid are making it "difficult" for him to leave.

Frustrated by a lack of playing time, Bale came close to a move to China last year before Real blocked the move.

Other clubs are interested in signing the 31-year-old but his agent has said previously Bale is "going nowhere".

"I tried to leave last year but they [Real Madrid] blocked everything at the last second," Bale told Sky Sports.

"It was a project I was excited for last year but it didn't materialise. And there have been other instances but the club won't allow it or something, so it's up to the club.

"I want to play football. I'm still motivated to play football. I'm 31 but I'm in great shape still and I feel I've got a lot to give.

"We'll see what happens. It's in the club's hands and they make things very difficult to be honest."

Asked if he would like to return to the Premier League, the former Tottenham player said: "It's not really in my hands. If those options arise, it's something I'd look at for sure."

Bale is with the Wales squad in Helsinki as they prepare for Thursday's Nations League match against Finland.

He became the world's most expensive player when he joined Real Madrid from Spurs for £85m in 2013.

The Welshman enjoyed great success in his first five years at the Bernabeu, scoring more than 100 goals and winning four Champions League titles.

But his star has faded in the past couple of seasons after a run of injuries, indifferent form and a scarcity of first-team opportunities.

Bale started just one match when the 2019-20 La Liga season resumed, playing a mere 100 minutes as Real clinched a first title since 2017.

But Bale was conspicuously on the fringes of the team's celebrations, his interaction with team-mates awkward and his ever-diminishing relationship with manager Zinedine Zidane frostier than ever.

Zidane said it would have been "best for everyone" had Bale left last year, and his departure would have benefitted the club financially.

Bale is still Real Madrid's highest-paid player with his current contract, which does not expire until 2022, thought to be worth around £600,000 per week.

That limits the number of clubs who could afford to sign him from Real, although his former club Spurs and Manchester United are among those who have long been linked to the former Southampton player.

"We'll see what happens," said Bale.

"We have plenty of time in this transfer window and a couple of others as well.

"Time will tell and, mainly, the decision is in Real Madrid's hands."

https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/54001703
 
Gareth Bale closer to leaving Real Madrid than at any stage - agent

Gareth Bale is closer to leaving Real Madrid now than at any time during his seven years at the Spanish club, according to his agent.

Jonathan Barnett told BBC Wales Sport talks over a move back to Tottenham are "slowly progressing".

Spurs boss Jose Mourinho refused to speculate on the talks on Wednesday.

Bale, 31, left Spurs to join Real for a then-world record £85m in 2013 and has since scored more than 100 goals and won four Champions League titles.

In July 2019, Real Madrid cancelled a deal for Bale to join Chinese Super League club Jiangsu Suning, with the player spending last season at the Bernabeu, playing 20 games.

Barnett said on Wednesday: "We are still negotiating. We shall see how it goes."

It remains to be seen whether the potential deal will be a loan or a permanent move for Bale.

When asked about the Wales captain, Mourinho replied: "He is a Real Madrid player and I don't comment on players from other clubs. I have to respect that. It's better not to speak.

"I tried to sign him for Real Madrid, which was not possible to do during my time there. But the president followed my instinct and my knowledge and the season I left he brought Gareth to the club. It's not a secret, even Gareth knows that.

"A squad is a puzzle and when a new signing completes the puzzle it's great for the team.

"There are three more weeks, the market is open both ways. I think in football you have to always be waiting for something to happen. Let's see what happens to us," added Mourinho, who was in charge of Real Madrid from 2010-2013.

The Portuguese previously told Tottenham chairman Daniel Levy that he "needs a striker" before 5 October.

Tottenham were beaten 1-0 at home by Everton in their first game of the new Premier League season on Sunday.

https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/54178355
 
Imminent return to EPL, wise move for him?
 
Bale is finished. It is a desperate move by Spurs.

His head is not in the game anymore. All he wants to do is play golf (I don’t blame him though - golf > football).

He will have a couple of underwhelming seasons at Spurs before he will head to China or USA for retirement.

His best days are well and truly behind him, and Madrid have finally managed to get rid of his baggage.
 
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