Zidane says Bale set to leave Madrid, denies disrespecting him

Bale has been frozen out in Madrid by Zidane despite his performance at the club

Zidane says Bale set to leave Madrid, denies disrespecting him [File] Real Madrid coach Zinedine Zidane | Reuters

Real Madrid manager Zinedine Zidane has denied disrespecting Gareth Bale as talks over the Welsh player's transfer from the La Liga giants moves ahead.

Zidane reiterated that it was the club that wanted to facilitate Bale's departure and denied that he disrespected the 30-year-old forward.

On the eve of Real Madrid's friendly against Arsenal, Zidane also said that Bale was the one who chose not to play in Madrid's 3-1 defeat to Bayern on Saturday.

“The other day, Gareth did not dress for the game, he did not want to because the club was negotiating his departure,” he said.

Bale's agent, Jonathan Barnett, had called the Real Madrid manager a “disgrace” after the match against Bayern when Zidane said that he hoped Bale's move from the club happened soon for everyone's sake. Barnett further said that Zidane showed no respect for a player who has done so much for the Spanish club. Barnett has said that Bale won't be going to any club on loan.

“There will be no makeshift deals to get him out of the club.” Chinese Super League clubs Jiangsu Suning and Beijing Guoan have been linked to the player in media reports.

Bale has been frozen out in Madrid by Zidane despite helping his side to a Spanish title and four Champions Leagues since arriving at the club six year ago. He joined Real Madrid from Tottenham Hotspur in 2013 for a then world record 100 million euros.

His brace, including a brilliant bicycle kick, sank Liverpool in the 2018 final, but Bale has struggled to hold down his place in the starting side last season.

After Zidane's reappointment, 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.

(With inputs from agencies)