Back to the Soccer Newsfeed

Zinedine Zidane Says Gareth Bale's Absence vs. Villarreal Was 'Not a Message'

Real Madrid manager Zinedine Zidane has dismissed the idea that he sent "a message" about Gareth Bale's future by dropping him for Los Blancos' 3-2 win over Villarreal on Sunday.

The Welshman did not make the matchday squad amid speculation his time in the Spanish capital will come to an end, but Zidane said there is nothing to read into.

Per AS, he said: "It is not a message. You can interpret what you want. I have to make a list of players, and someone has to stay out.