Cristiano Ronaldo will leave Real Madrid before Bale - Toshack

Posted Sunday, June 28, 2015 by Goal.com

The Welshman has been criticised by fans and media after an underwhelming season, but his counterpart believes he will be there for a long time

Cristiano Ronaldo will leave Real Madrid before Gareth Bale does, according to former coach John Toshack.

The Wales international enjoyed a bright debut season in the Spanish capital following his €100 million move from Tottenham, but his 2014-15 campaign was less impressive and he became the subject of criticism from fans and pundits.

The 25-year-old has already been linked to a move away from the Santiago Bernabeu, with Manchester United said to be interested in him, but Toshack believes he will remain in the Spanish capital for years to come.

"My own opinion is that we will probably see, for one reason or another, Cristiano move from Madrid before Gareth," he told BBC Sport.

"You need time to adapt and obviously, for the money they paid for Bale and at the age that he is, he's still got a lot to do."

Toshack, a former Madrid coach, who gave Bale his debut for the national team, believes the attacker has not been played in his best position so far in Spain.

"I hope Gareth will get the opportunity to play in an area of the field where he can do most damage.

"I'm not so sure playing out wide is Gareth's best position, but I think Cristiano has got a bit do with that.

"Ronaldo was always a right winger, but likes to play on the left side and I think Gareth suffers a bit for that."

Rafael Benitez has taken over as Madrid boss this season following the sacking of Carlo Ancelotti and Toshack is confident the Spaniard will be a success.

"Rafa's got all the credentials," he said. "There's no question about that.

"Rafa was at Madrid at the time I was there, working with the junior sides.

"Everyday the newspapers say 'Rafa's going to do this and Rafa's going to do that', but we just have to wait and see."