Despite having not reported any knocks while on international duty with Wales, Gareth Bale has returned to Los Blancos with an injury, infuriating bosses at the club.
The club is now reportedly eager to get rid of Bale, who has been the subject of intense transfer speculation over the last few windows.
According to The Mirror, Madrid are reportedly happy to pay half of the 31-year-old’s mammoth £600,000-a-week salary s to get rid of him. The out of favour winger is currently training away from the first team.
Last summer, Los Blancos blocked a move that would’ve seen Bale leave to join Chinese outfit Jiangsu Suning for free.
While on international duty with Wales, Bale spoke candidly about his displeasure at Real Madrid frustrating any possible move away from the Bernabeu.
“I tried to leave last year but they [Real Madrid] blocked everything at the last second,” Bale told Sky Sports. “It was a project I was excited for last year but it didn’t materialise. And there have been other instances but the club won’t allow it or something, so it’s up to the club.
“I want to play football. I’m still motivated to play football. I’m 31 but I’m in great shape still and I feel I’ve got a lot to give. We’ll see what happens. It’s in the club’s hands and they make things very difficult to be honest.”
A move, even to the EPL, would depend on the bosses in Madrid.
“It’s not really in my hands. If those options arise, it’s something I’d look at for sure. We’ll see what happens. We have plenty of time in this transfer window and a couple of others as well. Time will tell and, mainly, the decision is in Real Madrid’s hands.”
Bale played just 1,260 minutes last campaign – the lowest of his spell in Spain, featuring in just 20 games across the campaign, scoring three goals and providing two assists. He missed 13 games through injury while he was overlooked by Zidane on a further 17 occasions.