Gareth Bale missed Real Madrid's trip to Munich this week due to illness, but was spotted playing golf in sunny Madrid on the same day his teammates lost a pre-season friendly. Manager Zinedine Zidane has now reacted to the news.
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When he was left out of Los Blancos' trip to Germany for the Audi Cup, Zidane explained that this was simply due to doctor's orders as the 30-year-old had not been feeling well, suggesting it had nothing to do with the winger's uncertain future at the Santiago Bernabeu.
The former Tottenham Hotspur man missed out on Real's 1-0 loss to his former team, but was reportedly seen playing golf, another sport he is passionate about, on the same day his colleagues suffered defeat.
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Asked about it in a recent press conference, Zidane insisted that if this is true, Bale has not broken any rules.
"I am here, I'm here with my players, so I can't really say much. I hope that he has trained there," he said, according to The National.
"I'm not going to stop anyone from doing something, you know? Everyone has their own responsibilities and we will see what he's been up to in Madrid.
"I'm not getting involved with his personal life. He stayed back to train. I think he has trained. And we will see about everything else."
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Bale's proposed move to China fell through last week, although it is widely believed he will be forced out of the club before the transfer window slams shut.
Where do you think Bale will play his football next season? Let us know in the comments section below.
