Zidane's stinging swipe at Gareth Bale hints at Real Madrid departure after final-game snub
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Updated 20/05/2019 at 08:35 GMT
Zinedine Zidane has hinted Gareth Bale’s time at Real Madrid may be over after keeping him on the bench in the dismal defeat to Real Betis, then aiming a swipe at him afterwards.
Gareth Bale remained on the bench
Image credit: Eurosport
The Welshman, who has only started four matches since Zidane returned to the club as manager in March, was an unused substitute in the 2-0 defeat at the Bernabeu in what has been an incredibly disappointing season for the European champions that saw them finish third in La Liga, 19 points behind bitter rivals Barcelona.
They were also thumped 4-1 at home by Ajax in the Champions League last 16 to crash out 5-3 on aggregate.
Bale disappeared down the tunnel straight after the final whistle, only for his manager to indicate it could be the last time he does so.
“He [Bale] has won a lot here, but we live for the present and the future,” Zidane said. “We will not forget the past but we have to live for day the day to day.
I make these decisions when it is right to do so, and I must act in the best interests of the team at all times.
When asked about the chances of Bale appearing in Real's pre-season tour of North America, Zidane said: "I don’t know what will happen.
"Lately I have picked other players. Anything could happen."
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