Categories: Sports

Gareth Bale ‘Can Fill Cristiano Ronaldo Void’ At Real Madrid – Julen Lopetegui

Gareth Bale can “help fill the void” left by Cristiano Ronaldo’s departure from Real Madrid, says the Spanish side’s new coach Julen Lopetegui.

Wales forward Bale had been linked with a move away from the Bernabeu after failing to hold down a regular first-team spot under previous coach Zinedine Zidane last season.

But Ronaldo’s £99m switch to Juventus means Bale is back in favour.

“Gareth is happy to play at Real Madrid,” Lopetegui said.

“Cristiano Ronaldo is one of the main players in the recent history of Real Madrid. He expressed a desire to leave and we allowed him to.

“Gareth Bale is a magnificent player, with so many qualities. He can help fill the void.”

The 29-year-old joined Real Madrid for £87m in 2013 and has since won the Champions League four times, scoring twice in the 3-1 final victory over Liverpool in May.

Lopetegui said Bale had “worked extremely well” with France forward Karim Benzema in training, adding: “If this is the squad I have at start of season I will be a happy man.”

Speaking at a news conference before Real play Manchester United in the International Champions Cup friendly series in Miami on Tuesday, he dismissed talk of a possible move to the Premier League club for Bale.

“I don’t walk to talk about hypothetical situations,” said the former Spain boss.

“Gareth is happy to play at Real Madrid. This is a fantastic opportunity for him to show his talent. He is with the team. He is happy and aligned with our goals. It is the start of an exciting path for us.”

Recent Posts

Igbajo: Kingmakers Boycott As Govt Uses Warrant Chiefs To Appoint New Owa

Famodun Is The Only Owa of Igbajo, We Don’t Have Another Monarch – Obaala I…

2 seconds ago

Gov. Fubara’s Commissioner Loyal To Wike Resigns As Tinubu ‘Hijacks’ Him With Fresh Appointment

The Rivers State Commissioner for Works, George-Kelly D. Alabo, has resigned from his position following…

33 mins ago

Tinubu Mourns Olubadan, Sends Message To Late Monarch’s Family

President Bola Tinubu has mourned the death of the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Lekan Balogun,…

38 mins ago

Nigeria’s Inflation Climbs To 31.70% Amid Hike In Food Prices

In February 2024, Nigeria experienced a surge in its inflation rate, climbing to 31.70 percent…

44 mins ago

Four Estate Agents In Court For Alleged Conspiracy To Steal Child

Four estate agents were arraigned before an Ikeja Chief Magistrates’ Court on Friday, for an…

47 mins ago

EFCC Files Amended Charges Against Ex-Kogi Gov Bello Over Alleged N100bn Diversion

An amended charge has been filed by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) against…

57 mins ago

This website uses cookies.