BALE’S AGENT: ZIDANE WILL HAVE FINAL SAY
GARETH BALE’S agent has admitted Real madrid manager Zinedine Zidane has ‘complete control’ over the player’s future. The Welshman has been linked with a move but would prefer to see out the three years on his contract. But Bale has a difficult relationship with Zidane, who said over the weekend: ‘It might be difficult for the player. I must think of the future. We will see (if Bale will stay). I don’t know what will happen, truthfully.’ When asked about Zidane’s comments, Bale’s agent Jonathan Barnett told ESPN: ‘Fine, that’s his opinion.’ asked whether Real president Florentino Perez’s opinion would have any influence over Bale’s future, Barnett said: ‘Zidane has complete control.’ Former Real president Ramon Calderon believes it is time for Bale to leave because Zidane ‘isn’t keen on him’.
THERE was a time when Gareth Bale to Manchester United just seemed the obvious move. He was one of the finest players in Europe, United were among its biggest clubs. That was before the acquisition of Paul Pogba, Romelu Lukaku and Alexis Sanchez. That was before the shallow recruitment of expensive marquee names on astronomical wages became the symbol of everything that was flawed about Manchester United. This summer, a move for Bale would not be a statement of intent, but further evidence of a club bereft of fresh ideas. And that is a pity. Bale could be a game-changing signing, even at 30 when the new season starts. Whatever has soured his relationship with Zinedine Zidane and Real Madrid, he remains a player who could still have a hugely positive impact in the Premier League. Just not at Old Trafford. As a superstar insisting on a stratospheric salary, Bale’s timing could not be worse. There is simply too much baggage. Theirs, not his.