From week to week there seems to be a new story on Gareth Bale’s unsettled future at La Liga giants Real Madrid. For a player who has done so much for the club, it’s remarkable there is any question regarding his status at the Santiago Bernabeu.
Bale is one of the most decorated British footballers ever, having won the Champions League on four occasions with Los Blancos, along with a La Liga title and a Copa del Rey.
However, all has not been well for the Wales international in Madrid and once again there have been rumours this week of a potential departure from the capital.
Like in the summer, China appears to be calling, with Bale again being linked with Super League outfit Jiangsu Suning.
The only difference this time is that Real head coach Zinedine Zidane seems much more adamant that Bale is in his plans at the club and the player is happy.
During the summer it seemed abundantly clear that Zidane and Real were happy to let the former Tottenham Hotspur star leave for pastures new.
The move to China only broke down when Real suggested they wanted a transfer fee for Bale, having originally been willing to allow the forward to leave on a free.
Zidane’s latest comments regarding the player are far more positive than anything that was heard over the summer. “If he can train, he trains and if he can play, he plays. In fact, he’s played a lot of games – he’s never talked about leaving,” he said. “Bale is a player who puts in a lot of effort and trains well. He’s important for this squad and for the club. “There’s a lot of talk and a lot of things said. When he’s ready and 100%, we’ll see. He’s focused on playing well for the team.”
This is clearly a saga that does not look like concluding anytime soon.
A return to England seems to be on the backburner for the 30-year-old and reports suggest the most likely destination will be China at some point in the future.
At present, it looks like Bale will at least see out the season, as he aims to secure a second La Liga title with Los Blancos.
Whatever happens with regards to Bale’s next move, he should be considered a great servant to Real Madrid.
But, with the nature of the club, and their obsession with success after success, Bale’s name will probably be lost in a list of those who have donned the famous white jersey.
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