Former Real Madrid president Ramon Calderon has told talkSPORT Gareth Bale has ‘not lived up to expectation’ at the Bernabeu.
The forward has been strongly linked with a move away from the Spanish giants this summer as he is apparently no longer in Zinedine Zidane’s plans.
However, Bale is playing hard ball with his club as they seek to offload him.
Manchester United and former side Tottenham have been mooted at possible destinations, but the winger is determined to remain in Spain to see out the remainder of his bumper contract – reportedly worth over £600,000-a-week – even if he doesn’t play.
An exit on loan has also been suggested, but Bale’s agent, Jonathan Barnett, recently dismissed those claims, saying ‘there’s more chance of me winning at Ascot’ and that it ‘would take something exceptional’ for the player to leave Real Madrid.
Manchester United fan Chris says he doesn’t want Bale or Messi at club
It is clear Bale’s time in Spain has turned sour, having lost favour with his manager and supporters – who last month voted unanimously for the Welshman to depart their club this summer.
And Calderon says the 29-year-old has not proved value for money since his £85m arrival from Spurs.
That is despite winning 13 major honours in six years Real Madrid, including four Champions League titles, and managing 102 goals and 64 assists in 231 games, including scoring one of the Champions League final’s greatest goals.
A bit harsh, maybe?
Asked about Bale’s future on Wednesday’s Alan Brazil Sports Breakfast, Calderon said: “It’s a problem.
“I feel sorry for the player, but the truth is he hasn’t lived up to the expectation when he came.
“After six years, his situation is very difficult.
Gareth Bale honours at Real Madrid:
- La Liga: 2016/17
- Copa del Rey: 2013/14
- Supercopa de Espana: 2017
- Champions League: 2013/14, 2015/16, 2016/17, 2017/18
- UEFA Super Cup: 2014, 2016, 2017
- FIFA Club World Cup: 2014, 2017, 2018
“Zidane has discarded him in his mind, clearly, and he proved that in the last two months when he took over the club and Bale sat on the bench.
“For me, the best option would be a loan, but we’ve heard what Bale’s agent has said, it’s easier to see him winning Ascot than leaving on loan.
“So it’s a difficult situation for him.”
