Back to the International Newsfeed

Bale will only leave Real Madrid for 'giant club' - Coleman

Gareth Bale would join another "giant club" if he were to leave Real Madrid, according to former Wales coach Chris Coleman.

Bale was withdrawn at half-time as Madrid lost 3-1 to Juventus in Wednesday's Champions League quarter-final, Cristiano Ronaldo's dramatic stoppage-time penalty securing progression for the holders.

The Wales star has endured another injury-affected season, starting only 16 La Liga games, and appears to have been usurped by Isco in Zinedine Zidane's preferred starting line-up.

Bale's early substitution against Juve prompted a fresh round of stories about his future, although the player's agent Jonathan Barnett claims the speculation is being driven by the Spanish media.