Tuesday 12 May 2015 16:53, UK
Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti insists Gareth Bale has no intention of leaving the club, amid suggestions the Wales international is frustrated by how things are going for him at the Spanish giants.
Bale has come under fire from sections of the media and also the Real fans for some of his performances this season, including in the wake of last week's Champions League semi-final first leg defeat to Juventus.
That has led to Bale's agent Jonathan Barnett coming out in defence of his client, telling the Daily Telegraph that the former Spurs star has yet to show his full potential this term because he has not been given enough of the ball by his Real team-mates.
However, Ancelotti, who oversaw Bale's first season at Madrid culminating in a 10th Champions League crown for the club, feels Barnett would be better off keeping quiet.
I spoke with him (Bale) a lot of times. He is really happy to stay here.
At his pre-match press conference ahead of Wednesday's semi-final second leg against Juve, Ancelotti said: "I spoke with him (Bale) a lot of times. He is really happy to stay here.
"I don't understand what his agent said. It could be better to not speak. But we are used to it, in this world (where) a lot of people speak and sometimes, speak too much.
"Bale has no problem with his colleagues. His colleagues have no problem with him. They like Gareth Bale and he likes his colleagues. There is one word too many perhaps from outside."
As if to prove Ancelotti's point, Bale's team-mate James Rodriguez added at the same press conference: "I didn't see what was said, it's the first time I've heard it.
"We all want to play with him. Cristiano, Chicarito... we're all a team and we have to be united. You can't speculate on what is said outside. We all have to be focused."
We all want to play with him (Bale). Cristiano, Chicarito... we're all a team and we have to be united.
Bale has been a regular in the Real side this season, although he last scored for them back in early April in the 9-1 win over Granada, where Cristiano Ronaldo got five goals.
Ancelotti, who will hope Madrid can overcome a 2-1 deficit from the first legagainst Juventus, said: "I think Bale's played a very good season.
"Last year he scored in important games and scored in all the finals. With any luck he could do same this year.
"But outside of this world where people speak, sometimes they speak too much. These people have never seen a training session. They don't know what it's like in a dressing room. They speak from outside."
Watch Gareth Bale in action for Real Madrid in the Champions League semi-final second leg against Juventus on Wednesday night, live on Sky Sports 1 HD and Sky Sports 5 HD from 7pm.
