Real Madrid forward Gareth Bale called it “disappointing” to see Rafa Benitez sacked as coach, and although he is already feeling happy under the reign of his boyhood hero, Zinedine Zidane, he is not looking too far ahead when it comes to his future.
Bale was the star of Zidane’s first game in charge of Madrid on Saturday afternoon, netting three times as Deportivo La Coruna were hammered 5-0 at the Estadio Santiago Bernabeu.
A second hat-trick in his last four matches means the Wales international is arguably in the form of his life, having scored 10 goals in his last seven games while overshadowing the currently not-fully-firing Cristiano Ronaldo.
It was reported last week that the sacking of Bale’s dressing-room ally Benitez had the former Tottenham player pondering a Premier League return next summer, with Manchester United said to be considering making a world record £120 million-plus bid for his services.
Bale told reporters in the Bernabeu mixed zone on Saturday evening that he had been sad to see Benitez go, but as a professional he aimed to carry on as before and keep his good form going.
“I had a very good relationship with Rafa, obviously it was a big disappointment to see him go,” Bale said. “But things like this happen in football, you’re professional and you get on with it and carry on. I feel good at the moment, I feel fit and I’m just trying to enjoy my football.”
Gareth Bale enjoyed one of his finest performances in a Real Madrid shirt in Saturday’s 5-0 victory over Deportivo.
Boyhood Madrid fan Bale said he remembered watching Zidane play for the club as a boy, however his performance in the Frenchman’s debut was not about making a statement to his new boss.
“I watched [Zidane] a lot when he was playing and as a player he was incredible,” the Cardiff-born Bale said. “I didn’t really have a favourite to be honest at the time. They were all superstars and I just loved watching Real Madrid, it was a great team to watch. I don’t feel I need to make a statement to anyone. I know what I’m capable of and I just want to keep enjoying my football. When I do that I play my best football.”
On a night the Bernabeu had chanted his name, given him a rare standing ovation, and when Ronaldo had ended his day frustrated after missing a string of chances, Bale was asked if he had a clear idea of his future amid continuing speculation of a return to the Premier League next summer.
“I’m happy at the moment,” he said. “Obviously you can never predict what happens in the future. But I’m enjoying my football at the moment. So I’ll keep going.”
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