Gareth Bale at Real Madrid – where it all went wrong

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After a six year long spell of wax and wane at the Santiago Bernabéu, it appears that Gareth Bale’s time with the Galacticos is soon to wind up, as club boss Zinedine Zidane has confirmed an exit for the Welshman.

The Tottenham star was brought to Real Madrid in 2013 under the appointment of Carlo Ancelotti, for a record breaking fee of an astronomical £85.3 million, topping the record held by Cristiano Ronaldo and his £80 million transfer fee from Manchester United in 2009.

The fullback turned winger enjoyed his time with Los Blancos, from scoring 102 goals in 231 appearances in all competitions, to his spectacular bicycle kick in the 2018 UEFA Champions League final against Liverpool, critically acclaimed to be ‘one of the best’ goals in the tournament history.

Enjoy the recap below-

Although, it was not all silver lining for the 30 year old during his time in Spain.

Bale’s career with Madrid was marred by several injuries, costing his appearance in important fixtures. According to stats from Transfermarkt.com, he missed a total of 72 matches in all six seasons he spent with the club.

Real Madrid skipper Sergio Ramos discoursed on Bale’s constant facade with injuries.

“I think it’s that, because he’s a player who generates so much power, a bad warm-up or a cold day can mean that he has some physical problems or strains from which an injury can come, and accidental injuries, the traumatic ones, you cannot do anything because it’s a knock, a bad turn or something like that, they are unavoidable.

“The thing is that, when a player has the speed or the power that he generates when he is at his peak performances, any type of contact can cause a problem.” the 33 year old defender added.

Nicknamed “The Golfer” by teammate Thibaut Courtios, the winger was also a topic of mockery amongst the Real fan base, who faced harsh jeering time and again, since his initial months at Madrid, even at recent times.

Spanish news outlet Marca’s senior journalist Santiago Segurola stoutly disparaged the player during his novice days at Bernabéu.

“Bale doesn’t know how to play football. He only knows how to run.” he wrote.

Eden Hazard, who joined the Galacticos for €100 million this transfer season, is proving to be a direct competition, or replacement for Bale, as the Belgian has already costed him field time, as Bale was sidenlined by club gaffer Zinedine Zidane in their match against Bayern Munich on Sunday.

The Frenchman and Blancos legend does not have the best of relations with the Welsh international, to be honest. Even last year after being appointed to the managerial role for Madrid, Zidane wanted Bale to be out of the club, unbemoaning him to be unfit for his side, as he told club president Florentino Pérez.

The player is not on speaking terms with the 47-year old since May 2018, and even after more than a year have passed, the fall out has only exaggerated.

Following the Bayern defeat in Houston, Zidane indicated that a transfer is indeed imminent for his not so favourite winger.

Check out Zidane’s controversial comment in the video below, courtesy to The Guardian.

“We hope he leaves soon. It would be best for everyone. We are working on his transfer to a new team.” Zizou spoke to reporters in the post match interview.

“I have nothing personal against him, but there comes a time where things are done because they must be done.”

“I have to make decisions. We have to change. 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.” he added.

Personal or not, Bale’s agent Jonathan Barnett, has taken the statement to heart.

“Zidane is a disgrace – he shows no respect for a player that has done so much for Real Madrid.” he told AFP.

Speculations from ESPN sources report that Manchester United are already on the run to land Bale to Old Trafford, who still has 3 years of contract left with Real Madrid.

However, a move to Solskjær’s side is to happen or not, we can be sure of the fact that Bale’s time as a Galactico is about to end.