Real Madrid coach Zinedine Zidane has insisted that Gareth Bale is "not a sad player" at the club.

The winger has been in and out of the Los Blancos team this season, renewing suggestions that the Welshman is unsettled in the Spanish capital.

According to Zidane, however, Bale remains an important player in his team and is committed to helping the side succeed this term.

"Bale is not a sad player at Real Madrid," the Frenchman told reporters. "Everyone can have their opinion, but I believe he is here and happy to be at this club. He has shown he is an important player in this team.

"Good players can perform in any team and any position. They are compatible. What the club does will always depend on factors like this."

Madrid host Girona in La Liga on Sunday, looking for their fourth straight league win.

Written by
Jonny Whitfield