Gareth Bale looks like being a step nearer leaving Real Madrid after he was left on the bench in their final-day defeat, with Zinedine Zidane later saying the Welshman dd not fit into his team.
After a woeful season by their standards, Real Madrid look set for an overhaul under Zidane, with Eintracht Frankfurt striker Luka Jovic already set to join in the summer as part of the rebuilding process.
With Eden Hazard and possibly Paul Pogba also targets, Bale could well be the big name to leave the Santiago Bernabeu with the 29-year-old enduring a strained relationship with both his new manager and the club's fans despite his trophy-laden spell in the Spanish capital.
Bale headed straight down the tunnel after being an unused substitute during a 2-0 defeat in Real's closing league game, and if that didn't send out a signal that he was not wanted then Zidane's post-match comments surely did.
"I don't know if it's the last game or not. I don't know what's going to happen," said Zidane.
"I'm sorry he didn't get to play, but no-one knows what will happen. If I think a player doesn't fit in the team I have to do what I think works best.
"No one can change what Bale has done for the team, but as a coach I have to live in the present. I have counted on other players more in recent weeks."
Gareth Bale has three years on his contract.
— Eleven Sports (@ElevenSports_UK) May 19, 2019
Real Madrid were 2-0 down. Zinedine Zidane left him benched. @GuillemBalague: "The guy in charge didn't show Gareth Bale any respect or love last season, comes back and doesn't even talk to him." || https://t.co/me8DZarSWt pic.twitter.com/WJCYKCotDy
Zidane did hint that things could change next season even for Bale, but still seemed to be speaking about the Welshman in manner of a player who would be leaving soon.
"I'm making decisions about who plays and who is on the bench, but next year anything can happen," he added.
"Today he didn't play because others have come in. I'm sorry that he didn't get minutes today, but next year who knows what will happen?
"I have to take decisions and when I don't like things or something doesn't seem right, I have to change them.
"Nobody is going to change what the player has done at this club, but day-to-day, it is like that. We live in the present, although we will not forget the past.
| 😠 |
— Eleven Sports (@ElevenSports_UK) May 19, 2019
Will Bale outlast Zidane❓@GuillemBalague: "He's saying I'm staying. His agent says he's staying. There is no offers on the table.
"It feels like there is a campaign that has been going on for a long time against Bale & whatever he produces. || https://t.co/me8DZarSWt pic.twitter.com/Ey7GtvEjQr
"I make these decisions when it is right to do so, and I must act in the best interests of the team at all times."
Bale has won four Champions Leagues, La Liga and the Copa del Rey during his six years at Real, but has been continually linked with a Premier League return during this difficult season.
Manchester United have long been considered favourites but a return to Tottenham has also been mooted and if Bale has a choice then he may well see Spurs as the best option for immediate success.
