Real Madrid attacker Gareth Bale has revealed that he wants to leave the Bernabeu and would consider a return to the Premier League during this summer's transfer window.
The 31-year-old's future has been the subject of much debate in recent months, having fallen out of favour with Madrid boss Zinedine Zidane.
The Wales international only made 20 appearances for Los Blancos during the 2019-20 campaign and told Zidane to leave him out of the squad that took on Manchester City in the Champions League on August 7.
A recent report claimed that Bale was prepared to see out the final two years of his lucrative contract even if he did not play another game for the Spanish giants.
However, the former Tottenham Hotspur attacker has blamed Madrid for not letting him leave sooner, and he is keen to "play football" contrary to recent suggestions.
"I tried to leave last year but they blocked everything at the last second. It was a project I was excited for but it didn't materialise," Bale told Sky Sports News while on Wales duty. "There have been other instances where we have tried to go but the club won't allow it or they've done something. It's down to the club.
"I want to play football, I am still motivated to play football, so I guess it's on the club. They are in control of everything. I have a contract, all I can do is carry on what I am doing and hopefully something comes up.
"I am only 31 still but I feel I am in great shape still and feel like I have a lot to give. We will see what happens. It's in the club's hands but they make things very difficult to be honest.
"If those options arise (interest from Premier League clubs) it is something I'd look at for sure. We'll see what happens, we have plenty of time in this transfer window and a couple of others as well. Time will tell but mainly I think the reason is that the decision is in Real Madrid's hands."
Tottenham and Manchester United have both been linked with the attacker this summer and his agent Jonathan Barnett is expected to hold showdown talks with the La Liga champions in the hope of finding a solution.
Matt Law
