Bale close to Real exit

GARETH Bale’s agent has branded Zinedine Zidane a “disgrace” after the Real Madrid manager said the forward was very close to leaving the club.

Bale did not feature in Real’s 3-1 International Champions Cup defeat to Bayern Munich in Houston on Saturday night, and Zidane said the Welshman’s omission from the squad was because he is on the verge of sealing a departure.

“Bale did not play because he is very close to leaving,” explained Zidane. “We hope he leaves soon, it would be best for everyone. We are working on his transfer to a new team.

“I have nothing personal against him, but there is a time where things are done because they must be done. I have to make decisions, we have to change.

Speaking before Real Madrid’s friendly defeat by Bayern Munich, Zinedine Zidane says that Gareth Bale remains a Real Madrid player and that he still has full respect for the Wales international winger.

“The exit is the coach’s decision, and also of the player, who knows the situation. The situation will change, I do not know if in 24 or 48 hours, but it will, and it’s a good thing for everyone.”

Bale’s representative Jonathan Barnett has reacted furiously to Zidane’s comments, telling AFP: “Zidane is a disgrace, he shows no respect for a player that has done so much for Real Madrid.” – AP