Zinedine Zidane has praised Gareth Bale’s contribution to Real Madrid over the last seven years and wished him well ahead of his looming loan move to Tottenham Hotspur. The Welshman fell out with his manager last season and was frozen out of the team, starting just one match since March, and their relationship became very frosty. That breakdown saw Bale seek a move away from the Bernabeu, with Real agreeing a loan deal with Spurs that will see the Spanish champions pick up a large proportion of his wages.

Zidane had been hugely influential in Real signing Bale back in 2013 and, despite their more recent friction, was quick to highlight the massive role the 31-year-old has played in Real’s recent successes as well as wishing him good luck. ADVERTISEMENT Asked about Bale’s pending return to Spurs, Zidane said: ‘I haven’t spoken to Bale. I know what he has done in this team. ‘He has been spectacular for this team, nobody can say otherwise. There are negotiations. If he moves, we only wish him well.’

Asked about the tense relationship he endured with Bale at the end of last season, Zidane added: ‘I’ve not had any problems with Gareth. The situation is not firm, it’s not done, I cannot say more.’ On what Real are losing, he replied: ‘It’s not about that. It’s life, everyone can have an opinion. Gareth is our player for the moment and the issue is still to be closed.’

Bale jetted in to Luton airport on Friday along with Real teammate Sergio Reguilon, who is joining on a permanent deal, with both players travelling to Spurs’ training ground to complete their respective moves.

On Reguilon, Zidane said: ‘We must congratulate Reguilon on the season he had. We have two players per position and I already have two full-backs. ‘I wish him all the best because he had a good season at Sevilla and he deserves to be at Tottenham.’ (Agency report)