Gareth Bale: Real Madrid star decided to stay after Cristiano Ronaldo talks – report

Bale has been regularly linked with a move away from Real Madrid ever since joining from Tottenham in the summer of 2013.

Manchester United are the club most linked with a move for the Wales international, with interest in him dating back to his days as a youngster at Southampton.

Reports yesterday sensationally claimed Bale was open to a move to United if his time at Real draws to a close.

The 27-year-old endured a difficult campaign last term, with calf and ankle injuries derailing his season and limiting him to just 26 appearances across all competitions.

However, Spanish outlet Diario Gol claim Bale told assured Perez he would not be leaving the Bernabeu.

And Ronaldo, whose own future at the club is uncertain beyond the summer, is said to be the reason why.

Despite driving the club to La Liga, Champions League and Copa del Rey during his time at Madrid, Bale has often been forced to perform in Ronaldo’s shadow.

The team is built around the 32-year-old – as proved last season where he moved into a centre-forward position and justified the decision by firing them to a double. 

However, Ronaldo supposedly wants to leave after being accused of tax evasion by the Spanish authorities. 

And Bale wants to stay because he thinks a departure for the Portugal international could happen sooner rather than later.

The 27-year-old would then naturally become the face of the club, given he is the world’s second-most expensive player behind Paul Pogba, who signed for Manchester United last summer for £89million.

Bale even stands above Ronaldo in that respect, costing Real £86m – £6m more than his team-mate cost Madrid back in 2009.

He wants to be ‘prepared’ for the prospect Ronaldo could leave and is ready to step up for Zinedine Zidane’s side if the opportunity presents itself.