Zinedine Zidane says a decision regarding Gareth Bale’s long-term future at Real Madrid will be made at the end of the season.
Wales international Bale has been heavily linked with a move away from the Bernabeu and that speculation has intensified following Zidane’s return to the club as manager – as previous reports have suggested the duo endured a strained relationship during their first spell together.
Bale has spent the last six years with Real, helping the club to 13 major trophies, including four Champions League successes, and Zidane is under no illusions just how important the 29-year-old has been for the club, although no decisions will be made regarding his future until the summer. “Gareth is an important member of the squad,” Zidane said, ahead of Sunday’s league match against Huesca. “We know what he has done here, even in Champions League finals. “Nobody can take away what he has done.
Related: Sarri Cool On Hazard Rumours
We know he can bring a lot to the team, and we will count on him. “We are going to play these 10 games (the last 10 of the season), and then we will see.
That does not mean that, afterwards, there will be changes.” Bale is not the only player that has been linked with a summer move away from Los Blancos, as defender Raphael Varane is believed to be a transfer target for Manchester United.
Zidane insists he has heard nothing about that speculation and he feels his fellow Frenchman is happy in Madrid. “There is always a lot of talk here, and people can write whatever they want,” Zidane added. “The important thing is what the player thinks, and I can tell you he is very happy here. He has been here eight years and has done phenomenally well so far.”
