Gareth Bale will always be 'in the memories of Real Madrid fans', claims Carlo Ancelotti

Wales star expected to leave Spanish giants in the summer

Real Madrid's Gareth Bale  is likely to leave the Spanish club at the end of the season. AP
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Carlo Ancelotti insists Gareth Bale will always be "in the memories of Real Madrid fans" despite his rocky relationship with the supporters during his time in the Spanish capital.

Bale, 32, is expected to leave the Santiago Bernabeu on free transfer when his contract expires this summer.

The Wales international has spent nine-years at the club, but antagonised fans in November 2019 when he celebrated a Wales win holding up a flag which read "Wales. Golf. Madrid. In that order".

He was also seen laughing when he came on as a substitute in Madrid's 2-0 victory over Getafe last month, which also angered fans.

Spanish news outlet Mundo Deportivo claim he will be part of a "farewell night" at the Santiago Bernabeu when Real Madrid take on Real Betis - with left-back Marcelo and midfielder Isco also set to leave the club at the end of the season.

Ancelotti has said Bale will always be part of the club’s history, but would not hint at whether the Welshman would be among the substitutes on Friday night.

“Everyone knows that his contract is up," Ancelotti said in a pre-match press conference. "Whether he plays tomorrow or not is not so important.

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“What is important is that he has been part of the history of this club. I think he remains in the memory of all Real Madrid fans.

“He was important in La Decima [2014 Champions League final], in Kiev [2018 Champions League final], in the Copa del Rey [in 2014]. He is a player who has written great chapters in the history of this club and I think everyone recognises that.”

It remains to be seen whether Bale, who has won three La Liga titles and four Champions League crowns during his time in Spain, will get a chance on the pitch to say his goodbyes.

After the clash, he will turn his attentions to trying to help Wales reach their first World Cup in 64 years.

His national team face Scotland or Ukraine in a World Cup play-off in Cardiff on June 5.

Bale has been absent with a back injury recently, but returned to training earlier this month, and is set to be available as Los Blancos take on Liverpool in the Champions League final on May 28 in Paris.

Updated: May 19, 2022, 8:09 PM