Amid the constant reports of a rift within the changing room, Real Madrid manager Zinedine Zidane has now opened up on his relationship with Wales superstar Gareth Bale.
Bale and Zidane have endured a fractured relationship during their shared time at the Santiago Bernabau, with the latest reports suggesting that the former Tottenham Hotspur star is once again looking to leave the club after falling out of favour.
Zidane has since hit back at the constant speculation, suggesting that Bale's latest absence is a consequence of his injury concerns and there are no issues between him and the 30-year-old.
"We have a good relationship," Zidane said, as reported by Marca.
"He tries and trains but when he is not available, he is not (available).
"The mess is because there is a lot of talk but when he is one hundred percent you know the player he is. He's involved and then he can play well for the team."
The French manager also played down reports that Bale wants to leave the club and explained his current absence from the first team squad.
"He is gone because he is not available," Zidane added.
"But he never talks about leaving and when he can play he does and has played many games.
"Bale is a Madrid player and he will talk but I count on him. When he is (able) to play we are all happy."
According to the three-time UEFA Champions League-winning coach, Bale has travelled to London, with the club's permission, to see his own physicians and is expected back at the club during the course of the week.
