Zidane's exit halts Bale's escape plan

He'll wait to see who takes over

Posted Saturday, June 02, 2018 by Marca.com

Gareth Bale was the hero of the Champions League final victory over Liverpool, but he hinted that he might leave Real Madrid after the 3-1 win.

In his post-match declarations, he spoke of needing to play more regularly and said he'd sit down with his agent.

This, though, was before Zinedine Zidane announced his departure.

Had the Frenchman stayed then the Welshman could have expected similar playing time next season, but with a change of coach he could earn more minutes and he could now decide to stay in the Spanish capital.

He is happy and comfortable where he is and the only issue he has voiced has been the lack of action under Zidane, who he was never really close to.

The fact that Bale was the only member of the squad not to post a farewell message for the coach on social media on Thursday seemed to suggest that their relationship wasn't the closest.

It remains to be seen who'll take over and it could be the case that the new coach is similarly unwilling to give Bale the starring role he desires, but his camp would be excited by the arrival of Mauricio Pochettino, who they believe could get the most out of the forward.