GARETH BALE’S relationship with Zinedine Zidane at Real Madrid is at breaking point, according to reports.
ESPN claim that the Welshman’s situation with the French boss is at its lowest ebb and looks beyond repair after becoming personal between the pair.
Gareth Bale and Zinedine Zidane have suffered a tumultuous relationship at Real MadridCredit: Reuters
The animosity is said to stretch back to the 2018 Champions League final victory against Liverpool.
Zidane infamously left Bale out of his starting line-up, but the winger was brought on as a substitute with the score level and went on to notch a match-winning double.
Madrid legend Zidane left the club days later, and their relationship has steadily deteriorated since he returned in March 2019.
Bale is said to be upset at frequently being named a substitute in key matches with his negative reactions allegedly disappointing Los Blancos’ coaching staff.
Zidane’s concerns reportedly led him to bench the former Spurs ace against Manchester City in their Champions League defeat in February, as well as the win over Barcelona that same week.
Since the LaLiga restart, Bale had a late cameo against Eibar but was an unused sub in the clashes with Valencia and Real Sociedad.
He then failed to impress in a rare start against relegation-threatened Mallorca on Wednesday.
ESPN also report that Bale’s relationship with Madrid president Florentino Perez, one of his key supporters, is not what it once was.
In public, Zidane has claimed that the situation is “completely normal” but in reality, he has been accused of being uncomfortable discussing the matter since his “if Bale leaves tomorrow, that would be best,” admission last summer.
Earlier this year, the 30-year-old’s agent says the £86million ace does NOT want a Premier League return this summer.
But the Welshman continues to endure his fair share of criticism from Los Blancos supporters during a turbulent spell at the Bernabeu.
Despite winning the Champions League on four occasions, including a scoring stunning overhead kick in the final against Liverpool two years ago, Bale’s relationship with fans has deteriorated.
Failing to learn Spanish, a string of injuries and his love of golf have all been the major contributing factors.
Bale recreates iconic Champions League final goal in living room as Real Madrid star attempts ‘2.6 Challenge’ for NHS
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
