February 15, (THEWILL) – Gareth Bale has earned the right to leave the Santiago Bernabeu on his own terms, according to Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti.
Bale’s contract with Real Madrid expires in the summer, and it is widely assumed that the 32-year-old will not renew it.
Though the Welshman has not given a definitive update on his personal future, he has recently been connected with a return to Tottenham, and it has been said that if Wales do not qualify for the 2022 World Cup, he may retire entirely.
Bale has never been particularly popular with Real Madrid supporters or the media, but Ancelotti, who signed the striker from Spurs in 2013, has said that he has made a significant contribution to the club and continues to lead by example.
“Bale has not disrespected his teammates, he trains well and he is professional,” Ancelotti said. “He wants to finish here and he deserves to do that. He has helped win the Champions League and he has done important things for Real Madrid.
“I think finishing here in a strong way would be good for his career.”
Real Madrid takes on Paris Saint-Germain in the opening leg of their last-16 encounter on Tuesday, giving Bale the chance to add a sixth Champions League championship to his trophy cabinet before departing the Spanish city.
In Saturday’s 0-0 draw with Villarreal, he made his comeback from injury and could feature at Parc des Princes against Les Parisiens.
Jude Obafemi is a versatile senior Correspondent at THEWILL Newspapers, excelling in sourcing, researching, and delivering sports news stories for both print and digital publications.
