Real Madrid coach Zinedine Zidane says Gareth Bale didn’t want to be considered for their Champions League clash with Manchester City.
Bale told Zidane he did not want to feature for Real Madrid in the Champions League.
Bale was omitted from Real’s travelling party to Manchester City and his manager revealed that was at the Welshman’s request.
The 31-year-old, who has two seasons left to run on his contract, believes he may have played his last game for the club.
The Frenchman has stressed that he left Bale out because the forward didn’t want to participate in the match.
“[Bale] is a Real Madrid player, nothing has changed and I respect that,” Zidane said during the pre-match press conference.
“In the end many things are said and we have a respectful relationship between coach and player.
“It is a private conversation, but I can only tell you that he preferred not to play, and the rest is between him and me.”
“I have explained what the situation is and I don’t want to add anything else.
“He’s not injured. I really respect him and all the other players. Things that happen in the dressing room stay there.”
Zidane would not be drawn on Bale’s long-term future, although Real would prefer to part ways with the forward.
“He is a current player of Real Madrid,” Zidane added. “That does not change anything. He is our player. I respect that and respect him.
“He prefers not to play. That’s all I can say. We are all here ready and prepared for the game and that’s all we are concentrating on.”
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