May 12, 2015 15:28:53 UK
Real Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti says he has spoken to Gareth Bale and remains confident he wants to stay put.
The speculation over Bale’s future at the Bernabeu have been the topic of discussion for a number of weeks after the Wales international came in for criticism from the Spanish media and his own fans following a string of poor performances.
The world’s most expensive player was the subject of further scrutiny last week after another below par display in the Champions League semi-final first leg with Juventus.
Bale’s agent, Jonathan Barnett, came out in defence of the former Tottenham man after the game, claiming that the forward has struggled due to his team mates not giving him the ball enough.
Barnett’s comments lead to more speculation about Bale potentially leaving at the end of the season due to him being unhappy, and Ancelotti believes it would have been better for all involved if his agent had stayed quiet.
The Italian is still convinced Bale is happy with Real and does not expect to see him depart the Spanish capital this summer.
Ancelotti said: “I spoke with him (Bale) a lot of times. He is really happy to stay here.
“I don’t understand what his agent said. It could be better to not speak. But we are used to it, in this world (where) a lot of people speak and sometimes, speak too much.
“Bale has no problem with his colleagues. His colleagues have no problem with him. They like Gareth Bale and he likes his colleagues. There is one word too many perhaps from outside.”
Bale, who won the Copa del Rey and Champions League in his first season with Real, is likely to be in the starting line-up again when Los Blancos face Juventus in the Champions League semi-final second leg on Wednesday.
Real are 2-1 down from the first game in Turin and are 1.75 to reach the final.
Ancelotti is confident Bale can aid them in their quest to retain the Champions League though, claiming he has had a good season.
Ancelotti said: “I think Bale’s played a very good season.
“Last year he scored in important games and scored in all the finals. With any luck he could do same this year.”
Real Madrid are 4.00 to win the Champions League, with Barcelona 1.50 and Juventus 7.00.
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