Gareth Bale must look for a solution away from Real Madrid, insists former president Ramon Calderon, who believes a loan move is the best option to part with such “agony”.

“It’s very sad. It’s a pity to see a player like him in the stands… his skill and talent has not gone, he’s still a good player who could be playing at a high level in any team,” Calderon told the BBC.

“I think they’ll have to find a solution to end this agony for the sake of both sides. If he doesn’t want to reduce his salary, which would be understandable, they’ll have to find another way.

“The coach does not rely on him. If Zidane stays with Real, which I think is certain, then he (Bale) will have to find a new way… It wouldn’t surprise me if they let him go on loan and pay part of the salary.”