Real Madrid manager Zinedine Zidane has denied showing disrespect to Gareth Bale, and claimed the Wales forward refused to come on as a substitute against Bayern Munich on Sunday.
Zidane has said Bale is "very close to leaving" the club and that his exit would be "best for everyone".
Those comments led Bale's agent Jonathan Barnett to complain Zidane had "no respect" for the 30-year-old.
"I haven't shown a lack of respect towards anyone," Zidane said.
"What I said the other day is that the club was working on Bale's exit.
"I've always said the same thing: the players are the most important ones in all of this. Whenever there's a player involved, I'll always back them."
Zidane, who returned last season for a second stint as manager at the Bernabeu, was speaking before his side's pre-season match against Arsenal in the US.
"Gareth didn't come on [against Bayern Munich] because he didn't want to, and he said it was because the club was working on his exit," he said.
Bale has been linked with a number of clubs over the summer, including Premier League sides Manchester United and Tottenham, from whom he joined the Spanish giants in 2013 for a then world record £85m, and also with a move to the Chinese Super League.
Since arriving in Spain, Bale has won the Champions League four times and La Liga once.
Zidane says Bale will "train as normal" and that the forward could still be under consideration to play against the Gunners on Tuesday.
"The club is doing what it has to and that's all there is to it. Bale is currently part of the squad and I respect that. That's the most important thing for me."
DISCLAIMER: The Views, Comments, Opinions, Contributions and Statements made by Readers and Contributors on this platform do not necessarily represent the views or policy of Multimedia Group Limited.
Latest Stories
-
MultiChoice Ghana partners with Ghana Hotels Association to elevate guest entertainment
7 mins -
Bawumia’s music streaming app or Mahama’s pay-per-view TV channel?
12 mins -
Karpowership Ghana empowers 40 Takoradi Technical University students with scholarship
14 mins -
We expect significant reduction in prices of petroleum products in coming weeks – CEO AOMC
27 mins -
Betway Africa offers once-in-a-lifetime ‘Play-on-the-Pitch’ experience at Emirates Stadium
36 mins -
I coined the term ‘hype man’ in Ghana – Merqury Quaye
41 mins -
Vasseur questions ‘strange momentum’ of Formula One race director change
1 hour -
“I am disappointed in Kojo Manuel” – Merqury Quaye on “no tie” comment
1 hour -
Nana Kwame Bediako; The beacon of unity
1 hour -
Western Region: NDC youth wing embarks on phase 2 of ‘retail campaign’
2 hours -
Action Chapel International holds annual Impact Convention in November
2 hours -
Jana Foundation urges young women to take up leadership roles
2 hours -
All set for Joy FM Prayer Summit for Peace 2024
2 hours -
Managing Prediabetes with the Help of a Dietitian
2 hours -
Joy FM listeners criticise Achiase Commanding Officer’s election comment
2 hours