Real Madrid manager Zinedine Zidane has confirmed that Gareth Bale opted against playing against Manchester City in the Champions League.
The Blancos will take on Pep Guardiola’s side at the Etihad stadium with the hope of overturning a 2-1 first-leg loss in the last 16.
Zidane has, however, left Bale out of his squad to face Man City, a decision which has drawn a lot of speculations.
Explaining himself in a press conference, the Madrid boss said the Welshman decided he didn’t want to play in the game.
"I will explain because many things are said. We have a relationship of respect between player and coach, that is clear,” Zidane said.
“The only thing I can say is that he has decided not to play, and the rest is between him and me."
The Frenchman became frustrated during the press conference after facing a barrage of questions regarding Bale’s future.
However, he shrugged them off, insisting the winger “is a Real Madrid player, nothing changes. I respect that.”
"I have already answered before about the situation. The rest is a conversation between the player and the coach, and I am not going to tell you anything," Zidane added.
