Real Madrid manager Zinedine Zidane is certain Gareth Bale will remain at the club this summer despite speculation over his future.
Bale was out of Madrid squad for three consecutive pre-season friendlies but the Welshman returned for last game against Serie A side AS Roma when he came off the bench in the second half.
In the opening La Liga game of the 2019/20 season, the 30-year-old winger helped Madrid beat Celta Vigo 3-1.
“We spoke before the game to say he [Gareth Bale] was going to stay and all the players we have now, we are thinking only of the season.” Zidane said.
“The game Gareth had, all of them, I think they all played a great game. I think he and all of the players are thinking about staying and about playing. It took like he was leaving and now he’s here with us, that’s it.
“The dynamic changes and things change and now I’m going to count on him like everyone else. I said it a short time ago, I’m going to count on all the players that are here.
“He has a contract, he’s an important player and I hope all the players want to make it difficult for me to pick the team,” Zidane added.
Bale still has a contract until 2022 and he is no interested in moving to any club this summer. In July, Zidane was keen to sell the former Tottenham Hotspur to Chinese club Jiangsu Sunning.
When asked about Paul Pogba and Neymar transfer, the French manager said Madrid has several interested players already at Santiago Bernabeu.
“Neymar is not a Real Madrid player. We are interested in the players that are here. Paul is a player for Manchester United and we have to respect that. Here we are thinking about the game tomorrow.” Zidane said.
“Nothing has changed. We are here to start the season and I believe that Gareth, James [Rodriguez] and all of the players who are here are thinking of that and of doing the best they can to defend this shirt.” Zidane added.
