GARETH BALE was the only Real Madrid player not to reply to an emotional WhatsApp message from Zinedine Zidane, after he announced his resignation as manager on Thursday.
The Welshman, 28, whose two goals sealed a third consecutive Champions League under Zidane, fell out of favour under the Frenchman’s tenure, and left his former boss’ heart-felt message alone.
Zidane’s shock announcement came just five days after the Champions League final in Kiev, where Real claimed a 13th title, and fourth in five years, thanks to a 3-1 win over Liverpool.
Bale’s second-half double off the bench was the difference, but a reduced starting role since Zidane took charge in January 2016 had caused a reported rift between the pair.
According to the Metro, Zidane sent every player a WhatAapp message after resigning.
“Thanks for everything,” it read. “Without your support in the worst moments nothing we did would have been possible. We will see each other soon, a hug.”
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Bale’s reaction to the news has been pointedly muted, yet to join his teammates in expressing any gratitude or goodbye wishes to the Real legend.
Tributes poured in across social media from Zidane’s former teammate David Beckham and current captain Sergio Ramos, but Bale’s accounts remained silent.
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Bale found himself in a rare position at the Bernabeu, a ‘Galactico’ finding himself behind Spanish players in the pecking order.
Isco, Lucas Vazquez and Marco Asensio were all regularly preferred by Zidane, with the former starting last week’s final ahead of Bale.
Manchester United had been linked with a big-money move for the Welshman this summer, although any push by the player to leave the club may be cooled by Zidane’s resignation.
Bale made 92 appearances in his first two seasons at the club under Carlo Ancelotti, but has been limited to 31, 27 and 39 games in the three years since.
His overhead kick in Kiev was the turning point against Liverpool, putting his team ahead shortly after the hour.
With seven minutes remaining he doubled his tally when Reds keeper Loris Karius spilled a long-range effort into his net and sealing Bale’s fourth European triumph.
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