Zinedine Zidane says Gareth Bale still has a big part to play for Real Madrid following recent speculation regarding his future.
The Welsh winger's situtation in Spain has been under question for some time, having lost his place in the starting XI to Isco towards the end of last season.
Furthermore, Zidane's preference for playing Cristiano Ronaldo as a striker means there is no longer a natural position for Bale to operate in.
The rumours regarding his future have been reignited in recent days after the 28-year-old was an unused substitute in Tuesday's 3-0 Champions League win over Juventus.
I must take decisions, but it does not mean Gareth cannot be important.
Zinedine Zidane
Lucas Vazquez and Marco Asensio were brought on instead and inevitably he is again being tipped for a summer exit and Manchester United are one of the clubs thought to be interested in his signature.
Sunday sees Los Blancos welcome local rivals Atletico to the Bernabeu and they are 7/10 to win the game, with the draw 29/10 and Los Colchoneros 4/1.
With their La Liga defence all but over, Real may choose to focus on a third straight Champions League title and are 4/6 to lift the trophy in Kiev.
A player of Bale's experience could prove crucial during the run-in and Zidane insists he remains a big part of his first-team plans.
"I must take decisions, but it does not mean Gareth cannot be important in big moments in the future," he said.
"We have another game tomorrow -- Gareth is ready, as they all are. Regardless of how the rest of the season goes, Gareth is a Madrid player and my feeling is he will stay here.
"But I cannot say for sure what will happen, with my own future or the players', as always."
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Zinedine Zidane says Gareth Bale still has a big part to play for Real Madrid following recent speculation regarding his future.
The Welsh winger's situtation in Spain has been under question for some time, having lost his place in the starting XI to Isco towards the end of last season.
Furthermore, Zidane's preference for playing Cristiano Ronaldo as a striker means there is no longer a natural position for Bale to operate in.
The rumours regarding his future have been reignited in recent days after the 28-year-old was an unused substitute in Tuesday's 3-0 Champions League win over Juventus.
I must take decisions, but it does not mean Gareth cannot be important.
Zinedine Zidane
Lucas Vazquez and Marco Asensio were brought on instead and inevitably he is again being tipped for a summer exit and Manchester United are one of the clubs thought to be interested in his signature.
Sunday sees Los Blancos welcome local rivals Atletico to the Bernabeu and they are 7/10 to win the game, with the draw 29/10 and Los Colchoneros 4/1.
With their La Liga defence all but over, Real may choose to focus on a third straight Champions League title and are 4/6 to lift the trophy in Kiev.
A player of Bale's experience could prove crucial during the run-in and Zidane insists he remains a big part of his first-team plans.
"I must take decisions, but it does not mean Gareth cannot be important in big moments in the future," he said.
"We have another game tomorrow -- Gareth is ready, as they all are. Regardless of how the rest of the season goes, Gareth is a Madrid player and my feeling is he will stay here.
"But I cannot say for sure what will happen, with my own future or the players', as always."
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Source: bet365.com