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Football

02nd Sep 2020

Gareth Bale opens up about troubled relationship with Real Madrid

Reuben Pinder

“The club make things very difficult, to be honest.”

Gareth Bale has opened up about his troubled relationship with Real Madrid in an interview with Sky Sports, saying Real Madrid stopped him from leaving the club last summer.

Bale has fallen badly out of favour at Real Madrid over the past few years despite a brilliant first couple of seasons. Zinedine Zidane has favoured the likes of Isco, Marco Asensio and now Vinicius Jr. over the Welshman, who says all he wants to do is play football.

Speaking to Sky while on international duty with Wales, he said: “When I come here, I feel very happy, I feel comfortable, I feel welcomed.

“Whatever goes on in Madrid, goes on in Madrid. It doesn’t really affect me to be honest, I’ve had a lot of experience to deal with it. It is what it is.”

Asked about the situation regarding his future at Real Madrid and whether a move away from the club is likely, or even possible, the forward explained that Madrid prevented a move to China from materialising last summer.

“I think the club needs to answer that question. As I said, I tried to leave last year, they blocked everything at the last second,” he said.

“It was a project I was excited for last year but it didn’t materialise.

“There’s been other instances where we’ve tried to go but the club won’t allow it.

“I want to play football. I’m still motivated to play football. I guess it’s on the club really. I can’t really do much, they’re in control of everything.

“I have a contract. All I can do is carry on what I’m doing and hopefully something comes up.”

Pressed on whether he wants a move to happen, he explained: “I want to be playing football. I feel like I have a lot to give.

“It’s in the club’s hands and they make things very difficult to be honest.”