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The fate of Ronaldo and Bale at Real Madrid

Ahmed Hasan·
Real Madrid
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Despite winning their third successive Champions League, Real Madrid fear the departure of their two talismanic strikers…

Two outstanding goals from the Welsh wizard Gareth Bale were enough to steer Real Madrid to their third Champions League title on the trot in Kiev. This was Los Blancos’ thirteenth European Cup in total. Ronaldo had done his job to help Real Madrid make it to the final in Kiev – with the Portuguese finishing as the top scorer in the Champions League yet again, scoring a magnificent overhead kick in Turin on the way.

Ronaldo’s goal was matched, if not bettered by Gareth Bale in the final as Zinedine Zidane led Real Madrid to their third European title in three years. However, both of them hinted at a possible departure from the club this summer in their post-match interviews – subsequently creating tension and speculation among the fans.

Ronaldo’s Uncertainty

Though Cristiano Ronaldo failed to make an impact in the final against Liverpool, his contribution to Los Blancos’ success cannot be denied. Since signing from Manchester United, Ronaldo has enjoyed a trophy-laden nine years at the Bernabéu. He has surely become a fan-favourite at Real Madrid, but CR7 has cast doubts over his future with Real Madrid – spoiling the party for his supporters.

“Now is the time to enjoy this. In the coming days you will have my answer. The future of one player is not important. We have made history. I cannot guarantee that I will stay at Real Madrid, but this is not the moment to talk, but neither am I going to hide. It is difficult to be at a better place than Madrid, the best club in the world, but life is not just about glory.”

Ronaldo hinted at being possibly unhappy at the club, and was criticized by fans and pundits alike for giving this interview right after the final. Although the legendary forward has apologized to the fans, he will come up with an announcement about his future on June 4th.

Spanish newspaper AS has reported a possible rift between the player and the club over Ronaldo’s tax-evasion case with the local authorities. The Portuguese international asked for a new and improved contract in December in which he earned enough money to pay off his tax arrears. However, the club has refused to help the player, saying they do not want to set a bad example by paying off all his dues. Ronaldo, however, has maintained his moral support of the club.

Should Ronaldo leave Los Blancos, only two clubs will suit him and his wages. His former club Manchester United would heartily welcome him back, whereas Paris Saint Germain would also be excited at the prospect of having Ronaldo in the French capital and could easily offer his desired wages. A possible switch to the American MLS may also be on the cards.

Bale unhappy about playing time

Gareth Bale remained injured for quite some time at the beginning of the season, and started just two of Real Madrid’s knockout matches in the Champions League. Just like the semi-final, Bale was used as an impact sub by Zidane in the final – but this time, the Welshman delivered gloriously. An overhead kick with possibly his first touch of the game etched the moment into the memories of everyone watching it. Then, a curling knuckle-shot fumbled through the hands of Loris Karius and secured another Champions League for the mighty Los Blancos. Bale, crowned man of the match for his contributions, made it clear he would not stick around for long unless he was offered more playing time.

   “I need to be playing week-in week-out and that hasn’t happened this season for one reason or another. I have to sit down in the summer and discuss my future with my agent and take it from there. Obviously I was very disappointed not to start the game, so the best I could do was come on and make an impact – and that’s what I did.”

Gareth Bale was on a fine run of form in La Liga towards the end of the season and was justifiably disappointed not to the start the all-important final. From his interview after the final, it seemed clear that the winger would have to envision a future elsewhere for more playing time. However, with the unexpected and sudden departure of manager Zinedine Zidane, Gareth may just wait to see who the next man in the hot-seat is before deciding his future.

The Welshman was also the only Real Madrid star to not wish Zidane good luck after his departure. Should Bale decide to leave, a return to Premier League would definitely be most likely – and a rumoured switch to German giants Bayern Munich may also be a viable option.