Bale has to stay in Spain, insists Coleman

WALES boss Chris Coleman believes Gareth Bale is better off staying at Real Madrid rather than moving back to the Premier League.

The 27-year-old has been heavily linked with a move to Manchester United during the summer.

But Coleman has stated the tempo of La Liga and the size of Real Madrid as a club suit both Bale and Wales in their bid to reach the 2018 World Cup in Russia.

“I think from our point of view my opinion is that La Liga, the tempo and physicality is completely different to the Premier League,” said Coleman.

“Technically some of the teams there are absolutely tip-top.

“Being selfish, he’s better off at Real Madrid. You work all your life to get the top, you don’t want to give that up. Where do you go from Real Madrid that’s better? There’s one or two clubs up there but none better.

“I don’t envisage there’ll be a problem with Real Madrid, there never has been, they’ve always been brilliant with us.”

Bale has returned to the Wales squad for their World Cup qualifiers with Austria and Moldova having been suspended for the 1-1 draw with Serbia in June after collecting his second yellow card of the campaign in the 0-0 draw against Republic of Ireland in March.

And Coleman admits the Euro 2016 hero is in top shape ahead of Wales’ double header against Austria and Moldova in September.

He added: “He looks good, he was disappointed to miss Serbia but there was nothing we could do about that and of course he’s won the Champions League again this year.”

Neil Taylor also returns to the squad, but Emyr Huws is injured and Joe Allen is banned for the Austria clash.

Ethan Ampadu – who does not turn 17 until next month – is included in the squad following his summer move from Exeter to Chelsea.

Ampadu has trained with the senior squad before but this is the first time he has been called up officially.

“In terms of his ability and level of football he is capable of being with us in the 23,” Coleman said.

“He’s not a player I’ve put in for the sake of it.

“I have no doubt he will be able to handle it if we call upon him in some capacity.”