Bale declined to play: Zidane

Washington: Real Madrid boss Zinedine Zidane has denied disrespecting Wales star Gareth Bale as he discussed the expected transfer of the 30-year-old forward from the La Liga giants on Monday.
Speaking to reporters on the eve of Real Madrid’s friendly with Arsenal at FedEx Field — home of the NFL’s Washington Redskins — Zidane said it was Bale who chose not to play in Madrid’s 3-1 friendly defeat to Bayern in Houston on Saturday. “I did not disrespect anyone, least of all Gareth,” a frustrated-sounding Zidane said.
“I said that the club is working to facilitate Bale’s departure, nothing more. “
The other day, Gareth did not dress for the game, he did not want to because the club was negotiating his departure,” he added. Zidane had been branded a “disgrace” by Bale’s agent for his comments after the Saturday match, when he said he hoped Bale’s move from the club happened soon “for everyone’s sake.”
“He shows no respect for a player that has done so much for Real Madrid,” agent Jonathan Barnett fumed. Bale has been frozen out in Madrid by Zidane despite helping his side to a Spanish title and four Champions Leagues since arriving from Tottenham Hotspur six year ago. His brace, including a brilliant bicycle kick, sank Liverpool in the 2018 final. (AFP)