Gareth Bale was left out of Real Madrid’s squad for the Champions League last-16 decider against Manchester City as he asked not to play.
Bale was not named as part of Madrid’s 24-man travelling party for Friday’s second leg at the Etihad, throwing his future at the Santiago Bernabeu into further doubt.
Zinedine Zidane, the Madrid head coach, said that Bale had told him that he would prefer not take part and was subsequently left at home.
“People say a lot of things. We have respect between us. The only thing to say – and this is a personal conversation between us – is that he preferred not to play,” Zidane revealed.
“The rest remains between me and him. I have explained what the situation is and I don’t want to add anything else.
He’s not injured. This is the third question and I have told you what happened. Nothing else. I really respect him and all the other players. Things that happen in the dressing room stay there.”
Despite falling out of favour, Bale has two years remaining on his contract at the Bernabeu and has shown little desire to leave in search of first-team football elsewhere.
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