Gareth Bale has revealed that Real Madrid are making it "very difficult" for him to leave the club despite head coach Zinedine Zidane previously saying it would be the best scenario for everyone if the Welshman left.
Despite scoring a screamer of an overhead kick in the Champions League final against Liverpool as Real Madrid won, it was around this time that he had begun to fall out of favour with Los Blancos.
Bale was poised to leave for the Chinese Super League last season, but Madrid blocked the deal at the last minute after fearing they would be light in options in attack.
In the 2019/20 season he started just 12 matches, including just one after the season recommenced after lockdown.
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A combination of poor form, injuries, a lack of first-team opportunities, and the breakdown of his relationship with Zidane has led to a seemingly inevitable exit.
However, Bale says Madrid are making the possibility of an exit not easy.
"I tried to leave last year but they [Real Madrid] blocked everything at the last second," the Welshman told Sky Sports.
"It was a project I was excited for last year but it didn't materialise. And there have been other instances but the club won't allow it or something, so it's up to the club.
"I want to play football. I'm still motivated to play football. I'm 31 but I'm in great shape still and I feel I've got a lot to give.
"We'll see what happens. It's in the club's hands and they make things very difficult to be honest."
When asked if a Premier League return could be an option, Bale said he would be open to the idea.
"It's not really in my hands. If those options arise, it's something I'd look at for sure," he responded.
The former Tottenham star is currently with the Wales squad in Helsinki, preparing for a Nations League match against Finland.
Gareth Bale 
Real Madrid 
Tottenham 
