Gareth Bale didn’t want to face Man City – Zidane
Gareth Bale was not listed in Real Madrid’s squad to face Manchester City in the Champions League clash on Friday because he did not want to play, according to Zinedine Zidane.
Los Blancos released a 24-man list to travel to the Etihad Stadium and while captain Sergio Ramos was included – despite the fact he cannot play in the second leg due to suspension – there was no place for Bale.
The Welshman scored twice in the 3-1 Champions League final win over Liverpool two seasons ago but will play no part as Madrid seek to overturn a 2-1 first-leg deficit against Pep Guardiola’s side in the last-16 tie on Friday.
The remainder of Gareth Bale's contract at Real Madrid is worth around £64m, with it lasting until June 30th, 2022.
That is one expensive golf player! 😂😂😂 pic.twitter.com/MomlPy95VT
— Footy Accumulators (@FootyAccums) August 6, 2020
Bale has started just once since February – and has been restricted to 110 minutes combined since Madrid’s campaign resumed in June – and Zidane explained it was the 31-year-old’s decision not to be involved in Manchester.
“I will explain because many things are said,” Zidane told reporters in a news conference.
“We have a relationship of respect between player and coach, that is clear. The only thing I can say is that he has decided not to play, and the rest is between him and me.”
Zidane grew increasingly frustrated at answering questions on Bale, who may appear to have no future at Madrid but remains under contract until 2022.
“I have already answered before about the situation. The rest is a conversation between the player and the coach, and I am not going to tell you anything,” Zidane added.
The fourth and final question on Bale – surrounding his future with Los Blancos – was met with a straight bat.
Gareth Bale isn't in Real Madrid's squad to face Manchester City 🙅♂️
🗣 Zinedine Zidane: "The only thing I can say is that he has decided not to play, and the rest is between him and me."
👀👀👀 pic.twitter.com/qDPw5LdOug
— Goal (@goal) August 6, 2020
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“Gareth Bale is a Real Madrid player, nothing changes. I respect that,” Zidane replied.
“He has decided not to play. All of us here are focused on tomorrow’s game.”