With Zinedine Zidane sending shockwaves through Spain on the weekend after deciding to axe Gareth Bale from his matchday squad, the Frenchman has since commented on his decision.
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The Los Blancos coach did not name Bale in his squad for Real's tie with Villarreal, which many have interpreted as an indication that the Welshman is not in the tactician's plans for the coming season.
Zidane, however, has since insisted there was no deeper meaning behind the axing of the club's most expensive player.
"I've got to pick a squad and that's it," he said, as quoted by Marca.
"Is it a message to him? No, interpret it how you will.
"But I've got to pick a team, there's nothing more to it."
Click through the gallery below to see 14 players Zidane could sell:
Bale has been heavily linked with a move away from the Santiago Bernabeu, and it remains to be seen how his future pans out in the coming transfer window.
Despite the winger's omission form their latest match, Real managed to grab a 3-2 win, with Cristiano Ronaldo's successor in the No. 7 shirt, Mariano Diaz, netting a brace and earning some praise from his manager.
"Obviously, he hasn't had opportunities because (Mariano Diaz) has been injured," Zidane added.
"I'm happy for him and that he got two goals."
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Real remained in third spot in LaLiga, six points behind second-placed Atletico Madrid and 15 behind champions FC Barcelona.
Do you think Bale will leave Real in the coming transfer window? Have your say in comments section below.
