The impending departure of Gareth Bale from Real Madrid is getting messy as Zinedine Zidane just poured some gasoline on the fire.
Speaking after a 3-1 International Champions Cup loss to Bayern Munich in Houston Zidane was questioned as to why he left the 30-year-old Welsh star out of the lineup replying, “Bale did not play because he is very close to leaving”. The Real Madrid boss added, “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, I have to make decisions. We have to change.
“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 has been silent on the comments so far but his agent Jonathan Barnett was quick to respond calling Zidane a “disgrace” adding “he shows no respect for a player that has done so much for Real Madrid.”
Barnett also confirmed that they are “working on” an exit for Bale.
As far as that exit goes, the Manchester United appear to be out on any transfer however Bale’s other former team Tottenham are offering an exit for the Welshman.
ESPN:
Marca’s front cover on Tuesday suggested former club Tottenham were offering Bale “an exit” from the Bernabeu.
The reported deal would see Madrid receiving a €50m to €60m transfer fee with Spurs paying around half of his €17m a year salary, and Madrid handing the winger €25m up front to cover the remaining three years of his contract.
It’s not clear what the issue Zidane has with Bale however since the Frenchman returned to the Real Madrid sideline last March, Bale played 90 minutes in just three of the remaining 11 matches, was left out completely four times and frequently substituted when he did play according to Scroll. Zidane also left Bale on the bench in a 2-0 loss to Real Betis last season denying him a chance to say goodbye to the Real Madrid fans.
Zidane maintains that his treatment of Bale is “nothing personal” however if this is the way the two sides are going to go about things, Bale leaving Real Madrid sooner rather than later will definitely be good for everybody.
