Gareth Bale has been urged to join Manchester United, with Rio Ferdinand claiming Cristiano Ronaldo has held him back at Real Madrid.
Bale’s future at the Bernabeu is in serious doubt, with his representatives set for talks with president Florentino Perez over the next week.
Former United defender Ferdinand believes Ronaldo’s sustained brilliance over the last five years has inadvertently hindered Bale.
Former United defender Ferdinand believes that the one-time Tottenham star Bale should consider making the switch to Old Trafford.
Ferdinand wrote on Instagram: ‘Gareth was brought there to eventually take over the mantle as the teams talisman from Cristiano, but the Portuguese megastar has not played ball with that idea Real had regarding Bale.
‘He has sustained a relentless assault on collecting individual and collective team awards through his phenomenal goal scoring exploits since Bale arrived in Madrid.
‘Some may say Gareth’s non-combative nature and him not having an ego to rival Ronaldo’s has played its part in holding Gareth back from going on to take the top dog spot at Madrid’s top table. Who knows, but it was never going to be easy.
‘Four Champions league winners’ medals, three Champions League final goals – what more is there to do for him at Real?’
Ferdinand wants to see Jose Mourinho lure Bale back to the Premier League. There would be considerable obstacles to overcome if that were to happen, with the Welshman’s salary a potential sticking point.
His wage, believed to be more than £400,000 per week after tax, eclipses Alexis Sanchez’s package at Old Trafford.
‘It’s up to him to decide what he wants,’ Ferdinand added. ‘Does he want to go somewhere and be the main man, take on the full responsibility of a club who want to win? Or does he want to remain and continue in the role he is in now, as the supporting cast?
‘Personally I would love to see him come back to the Premier League, preferably with United, and dominate. Write a new chapter as a leader of a club, the go to guy at all times, the icon. This is what the greats do in all sports not just football, it elevates them.
‘What he has done is produce magic moments on the big stage – in finals, and played a vital role in this record breaking squad lead by the great Zinedine Zidane.
‘Whatever anyone has to say about him he has etched himself into the history of Real Madrid, a club that prides itself on winning the biggest prize in European club football.’
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