Gareth Bale’s agent confirms he’s leaving Real Madrid and drops hint of retirement

Gareth Bale is set to become a free agent in a matter of weeks, his time at Real Madrid is coming to an end – and there’s still speculation he could retire from football altogether

Gareth Bale’s agent Jonathan Barnett has confirmed his client is leaving Real Madrid – but hasn’t been able to quell speculation of a possible departure.

The 32-year-old’s recent Madrid nightmare is coming to an end and he will become a free agent at the end of the season. Despite winning all the major accolades during his time in the Spanish capital, he has remained a controversial figure and has fallen utterly out of favor.

Bale spent last season on loan at Tottenham before returning to Madrid with hopes of more regular playing time under his old boss Carlo Ancelotti. But he has only played five times in La Liga and under 300 minutes in all competitions.

However, his form for national team remained strong and played a crucial role in guiding Wales to a play-off to secure a place at their first World Cup since 1958. But after such a tumultuous period at club level, it was suggested he could call it a day.

And Barnett, who said a move back to England was highly likely, said a decision on his long-term future would depend on Wales’ play-off fate and this elimination could change his mind.

“He’s leaving Real Madrid but we’ll have to see what Wales can do,” Barnett told Portugal’s Outlet Record. “It all depends on whether Wales qualifies for the World Cup, then we will make a decision that may vary whether Wales go to the World Cup or not.

“Is it more likely to return to England? I think so, but we’ll have to wait and see if Wales qualify for the World Cup.”

A number of clubs have been linked with a potential move and last month Cardiff City boss Steve Morison admitted it would be “a no-brainer” to get him at the club but that the wing wizard would need to make contact , if he wants to make a sensational move to the Bluebirds. And after Cardiff chairman Mehmet Dalman said the Championship Club were “willing listeners,” Morison firmly agreed.

“Who wouldn’t be? Is there anyone who wouldn’t be a willing listener?!” said Morison Wales Online. “I’m not going to go and get Gareth Bale’s number and call him and say, ‘Oh, by the way, do you want to come to Cardiff?’

“It’s an absolute no-brainer. It would be great. It would be a huge boost for everyone. But if it happened, he would have to come and be part of the change. He would have to come and adapt and buy into it.

“I’m sure if something like this happened, he and I would have a chat because there would be a lot to talk about. One of them would take care of it [the press] don’t find out!”