Gareth Bale has said that he wants to return to Real Madrid after his loan spell with Tottenham ends.
Back in September, seven years on from when he first left for the Bernabeu, Bale made his return to North London on a season-long loan.
His return spelled hopes that he could recapture the form that made him one of the most sought-after talents in football when Madrid came in for him.
However, things on the whole haven’t exactly materialised that way.
Madrid return always the plan
When speaking to the media before Wales’ World Cup qualifiers he had the following to say on where his future might lie.
“I think the main reason I came to Spurs this year was to play football first and foremost.
“Going into the Euros I wanted to be match-fit. The original plan was to do a season at Spurs and after the Euros still have a year left at Real Madrid.
“My plan is to go back, that’s as far I have planned.”
His comments will no doubt be met with a mixed reaction, given the inconsistencies in his form since making the move back to Spurs.
That combined with the much talked about astronomical wages that come with his reputation, makes any likelihood of a permanent deal coming to fruition, slim.
It is also another glaring example of Bale’s tendency to prioritise playing on the international stage over club football. On more than one occasion the forward has described international duty as a ‘welcome break’, something which hasn’t always gone down well.
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