Cristiano Ronaldo Wants Star Teammates Axed From Real Madrid First-Team
REUTERS/Vincent West
As a club icon, Cristiano Ronaldo possesses much influence over Real Madrid, and according to Don Balon, he is now attempting to persuade boss Zinedine Zidane into removing Gareth Bale from the first-team.
The Welshman’s career in Madrid has been somewhat inconsistent, mainly due to his constant injury woes. Since arriving in Spain from London back in 2013, Bale missed a fair share of game time, and made just 19 La Liga appearances last season.
However, when fit, the electric forward manages to produce top drawer performances. He netted 12 goals and assisted 3 last season; though it hardly made any impact compared to the rest of his teammates.
Consequently, this has led Ronaldo to reckon the winger should be dropped from the starting lineup, and he has reportedly expressed his views on the situation to Zidane. Moreover, the Frenchman also seems to prefer Isco and Marcos Asensio over the 28-year-old, evident from the Welshman being benched even when fully fit.
Reuters / Javier Barbancho
Zidane’s men thrived on the pitch even in Bale’s absence, as the Galacticos secured a Champions League and La Liga double last season, with Isco and Asensio playing vital roles along the way. The two Spaniards are on their way to becoming regular starters for Real, which further puts the former Tottenham man’s future in doubt.
REUTERS/Juan Medina
Don Balon has further claimed that Ronaldo has requested Zidane to consider leaving Karim Benzema out as well. This would mean the end of Real’s renowned ‘BBC’ trio, which includes Benzema, Bale and the Portuguese superstar himself.
However, the future of Los Vikingos is in safe hands, as the attacking trio led by Ronaldo, alongside Asensio and Isco, who are two of the most exciting talents in Europe, looks bright. And so, Bale’s spell as an integral part at the Spanish capital seems like a long time ago.
Written by Ashish Sreejith 
Have had two addictions in life- playing football and watching football. Usually described as introverted but not when it comes to speaking and writing about the beautiful game of football.