The Blancos manager believes that a Wales international forward will receive the accolades he deserves from the Madrid fan base before becoming free agent this summer. Carlo Ancelotti believes Gareth Bale will receive the proper send-off for his Real Madrid career when he plays his final game for the club on Friday at Santiago Bernabeu.
With the Blancos, a man who arrived as the most expensive player in global football in the summer of 2013, has had plenty of highs – including three La Liga titles and four Champions League victories – but he has also had plenty of lows. Bale’s recent troubles with form and fitness have raised doubts about his devotion to the cause, with a loan term at Tottenham scheduled for 2020-21, and he has been booed on a regular basis as he prepares to become a free agent in the summer.
It remains to be seen what the future holds for Bale, who is expected to play on at just 32 years of age, and Ancelotti wishes him well ahead of a last home date with Real Betis. The Blancos boss has said: “It’s not important if he plays, what’s important is Bale is a part of the history of this club. “He’ll always be in the memories of Real Madrid fans. He has written some great chapters, we have to recognise that.”
After being snapped up from Spurs, Bale hit the ground running in Madrid to register 22 goals in his debut campaign – including memorable efforts in victorious Copa del Rey and Champions League finals. He has gone on to pass 250 appearances for Real and 100 goals and is one of the most successful British imports to Europe. Alongside his domestic and continental crowns, Bale has also won the UEFA Super Cup and FIFA Club World Cup on three occasions apiece while in Spain. A collection of 15 trophies across nine years suggests that he has been a success story, but only seven appearances have been taken in this season and there is no guarantee that he will figure against Betis. He is also likely to miss out on a place in Ancelotti’s plans for the 2022 Champions League final, as Real prepare to rekindle old rivalries with Liverpool. Bale netted a stunning brace, including a remarkable bicycle-kick effort, the last time that the Blancos faced the Reds in a European showpiece back in 2018 and will be desperate to bid farewell in style on May 28.