The war of words between Real Madrid manager and Gareth Bale’s entourage has taken a turn for the worse as the clock ticks away on Welshman’s time at Santiago Bernabeu.
After the defeat against Bayern Munich, Los Blancos boss Zinedine Zidane said in the post-match press conference, “We hope Bale leaves soon, it would be best for everyone.”
Bale’s agent Jonathan Barnett wasn’t too happy with what Zidane said, and called the manager a “disgrace”.
The feud has turned into an ugly one, and it would be surprising to see the left-footed forward continue at Santiago Bernabeu next season.
With that, let’s look at the three best moments of the 30-year-old during his six-year stay in the Spanish capital.
#3 Copa del Rey final, goal against Barcelona (2014)
Bale arrived for a club-record fee (at the time) of €101 million in 2013, and immediately chipped in with a couple of important goals in his debut season.
The former Tottenham Hotspur man scored the winner in the dying minutes of the Spanish Cup final against arch-rivals Barcelona, humiliating defender Marc Bartra with his incredible burst of pace that left the centre-back for dead.
The goal was special as it helped Real Madrid beat Barcelona without Cristiano Ronaldo who was watching from the sidelines.
#2 Champions League final, goal vs Atletico Madrid (2014)
Another one of his iconic goals followed soon after as the Galacticos prepared to take on city rivals Atletico Madrid in the Champions League final.
Bale, who was at the peak of his powers and brimming with confidence, scored another crucial winner and won ‘La Decima’ for Madrid, etching his name in the club’s history books.
One could also say his goal triggered the events and set the stone for Los Blancos’ incredible success in recent years.
#1 Champions League final, goal vs Liverpool (2018)
Another final, another Welshman master class, but this time off the bench.
Isco replaced the former Tottenham Hotspur man in the starting XI as Los Blancos featured in their third consecutive European final in 3 years.
The game hanged in balance at 1-1 as Bale made his way onto the pitch and what happened afterwards was magical.
Marcelo delivered a cross from the left flank as the 30-year-old dangled in air and connected with the ball with an excellent overhead kick, almost smashing the ball past a helpless Loris Karius.
Minutes after, he scored his second of the match and put the game to bed making the scoreline 3-1 in favour of the Spanish giants.
Madrid won their 13th European title, three in a row and their fourth in five years, and one can say it would have been impossible without the Welshman donning the famous white jersey.