Bale still hurt by Zidane’s efforts to move him on

Gareth Bale remains “badly hurt” by the way he has been treated by Real Madrid.

According to sources, Bale does not believe he received any support from the club in the summer when coach Zinedine Zidane so publicly attempted to force him out.

Real’s board then called off a £1million-a-week move to Chinese club Jiansu Suning at the 11th hour after the Spanish giants demanded a transfer fee for the 30-year-old.

In July, Zidane declared Bale was no longer wanted at Real and said: “We hope he leaves soon. It would be best for everyone. We are working on his transfer to a new team.”

Bale is still upset by his treatment by Zidane, with little dialogue between the pair. He was left out of the squad for last week’s Champions League game against Club Bruges, which ended 2-2.

It would appear likely that Bale wants to leave, having resolved to go to China, where he would have doubled his salary in a three-year deal.

He is upset not just with the Frenchman but also with Real, believing he was not supported by the club during a difficult time and that the way he was treated was unnecessary.

Bale has been in good form this season, however, and although Real are struggling in the Champions League, having lost to Paris St-germain, they are top of La Liga.

Bale returned to the team for the 4-2 win against Granada on Saturday and was given an ovation by the Bernabeu crowd when he was substituted in the 83rd minute.

Jose Mourinho is prepared to return to Real should Zidane lose his job.