Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti has revealed that the club's second-most expensive signing ever will leave the Santiago Bernabeu come the end of the season.
The Italian tactician has confirmed that this will be Gareth Bale's last season with Los Blancos following a seemingly tumultuous past couple of campaigns for the winger.
Following his then world-record €100 million (R1.7 billion) transfer from Tottenham Hotspur to Real Madrid in 2013, the forward went on to secure four UEFA Champions League trophies, two La Liga titles, four FIFA Club World Cups and a Copa del Rey title with Los Blancos.
However, his injury record and perceived apathy towards playing through injury have left sections of the fanbase disheartened by the 32-year-old's commitment, or lack thereof, to playing for the club.
Bale started against Villarreal on the weekend, in what was his first appearance in LaLiga since August and his fourth overall.
He has also been included in Real's squad to face Paris Saint-Germain in the round of 16 of the UEFA Champions League on Tuesday night.
"Bale has not disrespected his teammates, he trains well and he is professional," Ancelotti said, as per Marca.
"He wants to finish here and he deserves to do that.
"He has helped win the Champions League and he has done important things for Real Madrid.
"I think finishing here in a strong way would be good for his career."
Los Blancos will face Ancelotti's former club for the second time at this stage of Europe's premier club competition – the first being back in 2018, when Real ended up winning 5-2 on aggregate.
