Published 10:51 IST, November 16th 2019
Gareth Bale: Stuck between rock and a hard place in Real Madrid
Welsh footballer Gareth Bale fuelled the fires of his Real Madrid issues after stating that he enjoys playing for Wales more than he does for Real Madrid.
- SportFit
- 3 min read
Real Madrid full-back Dani Carvajal recently stated that he has no doubts about Gareth Bale's commitment to Real Madrid. The Spanish international will have to think again, thanks to Gareth Bale's recent admission. The Wales winger admitted that he enjoys playing for Wales more than he does for Real Madrid, ahead of the final round of their Euro 2020 Qualifiers.
Gareth Bale's comments are likely to garner criticism from the Real Madrid faithful. The Welsh winger has been absent from the Real Madrid squad in the past couple of weeks owing to an injury. Bale does, however, appear to be fit for Wales' Euro 2020 Qualifiers. Interestingly, Gareth Bale has not featured for Real Madrid since playing for Wales in their 1-1 draw against Croatia earlier last month.
Gareth Bale's departure on the cards?
Real Madrid manager Zinedine Zidane was vocal about Gareth Bale's potential departure in the preseason after the Welsh winger was linked with a move to China. Real Madrid reportedly vetoed the move, as Chinese Super League side Jiangsu Suning refused to pay a transfer fee for the Welsh international. They did, however, offer him a reported wage of £1m a week. Real Madrid president Florentino Perez, however, refused to sanction the move.
Gareth Bale still has three years left on his contract with Real Madrid. The LaLiga side remains open to offers for the 30-year old, but they are still hoping to recoup some of the £85m they paid for him in 2013. Gareth Bale has been linked with a move to a number of leagues, not least the Premier League. His injury record, however, could throw a spanner in the works. While there remains little doubt over his abilities, the former Tottenham man's commitment has been thrown into doubt regularly, with Bale displaying a growing penchant for golf.
West Ham’s Marko Arnautovic and Manchester United’s Marouane Fellaini are the more recent additions to the Chinese Super League. The Gareth Bale signing could prove to be a major shot in the arm for a league that has been known to offer mammoth wages for popular players nearing the twilight of their footballing careers. For the moment, however, it seems like Gareth Bale will have to bide his time in the LaLiga, as Real Madrid look to topple league leaders Barcelona in the coming weeks.
Updated 13:47 IST, November 16th 2019