The cloud of doubt surrounding Gareth Bale’s future at the Santiago Bernabéu became clear last night following Zinedine Zidane’s comment at a post-match press briefing in Houston, United States.
Zidane revealed the Real Madrid are in talks with an unnamed club about Bale’s imminent transfer from the Spanish club.
The Wales international joined Real from Tottenham Hotspur for a then world-record £85.3 million fee in 2013 and, despite being hit by a series of injuries, he has helped the club win four Champions League titles and LaLiga.
However, he has not been enjoying a good relationship with Zidane since the Frenchman returned to Madrid a few months ago, fuelling speculations that he might not be needed on the team in the next season, with the likes of Manchester United, Tottenham, Bayern and Internazionale among the clubs having been linked with him.
Zidane, however, confirmed that Bale was left out of Madrid’s matchday squad to face Bayern Munich in the International Champions Cup in Houston on Saturday night because “the club is working on his departure”.
Zizou, whose side were beaten 3-1 by Bayern, also said he hopes a deal for Bale can be struck soon “for everyone’s sake”.
He said:
“He wasn’t included in the squad because the club is working on his departure and that’s why he didn’t play. We’ll have to see what happens in the coming days. We’ll have to see if it goes through tomorrow, if it does then all the better. Let’s hope, for everyone’s sake, that it happens soon. The club is dealing with the club that he’ll move to.
“We have to make decisions and change things, that’s all there is to it.
“You’re aware of the situation and there’ll be a change to it. I don’t know if this will happen in 24 or 48 hours’ time. The situation will change and it’s for the best for everyone. That’s how things go.”
His comment sparked outrage on micro-blogging site Twitter as many football fans believe the Spanish club is not treating Bale with enough respect after helping the club to win several trophies.
READ ALSO: Google celebrates Buchi Emecheta’s 75th posthumous birthday in new doodle
Fans are attacking Zidane over the comment and Bale, Zidane, Zizou are presenting trending at the top spot of Twitter Nigeria.
Bale’s agent Jonathan Barnett has also slammed the Madrid head coach over his comment.
He said
“Zidane is a disgrace. He shows no respect for a player that has done so much for Real Madrid.”
The agent was then asked if the player is on his way out of Real Madrid.
“We are working on it,” Barnett said.
See the video:
See some of the reactions:
I find Real Madrid fans’ and Zidane’s attitude towards Bale an absolute disgrace. He has performed so well over there and handed them moments in their history they’ll never forget. The whole situation is absolutely bizarre.
— Alex Shaw (@AlexShawESPN) July 21, 2019
??????? Before Gareth Bale arrived at Real Madrid, they hadn’t won the Champions League for 12 years.
In his 6 years at the club, he’s helped them to 4 European titles, single handedly winning them the 2018 final.
The way he has been treated & disrespected has been an absolute joke. pic.twitter.com/w3rMYnzpE2
— FutbolBible (@FutbolBible) July 21, 2019
Ronaldo asked everyone to back Bale ! That’s why you can’t hate Ronaldo
Ronaldo knew? pic.twitter.com/VSkGkgjirS— Aryan ?❤️ (@AryanGOAT10) July 21, 2019
Bale looks shattered and absolutely devastated leaving the stadium in Houston after Zidane’s comments. pic.twitter.com/eueWTevLax
— M•A•J (@Ultra_Suristic) July 21, 2019
It’s sad to see so much talent unappreciated. Bale could’ve easily mattered for Real Madrid the way Ronaldo mattered for them. pic.twitter.com/iNc6gq4aii
— Litha LeNyanga ? (@Litha_15_Stokwe) July 21, 2019
Funny because Bale has done more on pitch for Real Madrid than Zidane did ?
— Rafael Hernández (@RafaelH117) July 21, 2019
Gareth Bale at Real Madrid:
Appearances – 231
Goals – 102
La Liga – ?
Copa del Rey – ?
Spanish Super Cup – ?
Champions League – ????
UEFA Super Cup – ???He deserves to be treated with respect for what he has done at the club. Period. pic.twitter.com/gm3sOh4MIs
— FutbolBible (@FutbolBible) July 21, 2019
Real Madrid don’t respect their players at all, just look at how they are treating Bale and how they treated C.ronaldo… It is their way of life. https://t.co/JjhoEppEYl
— Brainard Daniel (@brainard37) July 21, 2019
This is why Real Madrid is a trash club. So Gareth Bale plays 231 games for them, scores 102 goals & assists 65 times, not forgeting the BIG goals he scored to help Real Madrid win BIG trophies? buh thats how they throw him out. That can NEVER happen at Man United. Madrid is ? pic.twitter.com/ZKGJvjgT4D
— Pirate™ (@PirateMulwana) July 21, 2019
After winning 4 @ChampionsLeague Titles, 1 @LaLigaEN Title, along with multiple other trophies. Scoring vital goals in finals. He is still vilified by the Madrid fanbase. Can anyone tell us why ?♂️ at other clubs he would no doubt be a legend #Bale
— Talk Football (@FootballTalkTF) July 21, 2019
Raúl Gonzaléz, Ikér Casillas, Cristiano Ronaldo and now Gareth Bale…
Real Madrid are so ungrateful to players who served them faithfully.DISGRACE OF A CLUB! pic.twitter.com/c8ZaE1XvKI
— The Wolf Of Wall Street (@KamanOhils) July 21, 2019
Nothing more annoying than neutrals who watch Bale twice a year taking the moral high ground attacking Zidane and calling Madridistas reactionary. Bale’s no saint either. He was well liked by everyone until he bitched about Ancelotti to his agent. Real OGs remember.
— Mó (@MadridVoice) July 21, 2019
