The only thing I can say is that he preferred not to play.However, when further questions were forthcoming, he did not elaborate.But sources close to Bale have since questioned Zidane’s disclosure.Bale had trained this week, before a conversation with Zidane over his chance of featuring - having not appeared in any of Madrid’s last seven La Liga matches.Zidane would not reveal on Thursday the details of their discussion, but its claimed Bale only asked to stay behind knowing that Zidane has no intention of using him at the Etihad.Bale still has two years left on his contract at the Santiago Bernabeu.His agent, Jonathan Barnett, recently stated that he could see out his big-money deal, despite Madrid’s keenness to move the player on before the transfer window closes.When you subscribe we will use the information you provide to send you these newsletters. Golf After Zidane said this Thursday that the Welsh winger had asked not be included in the squad, the footballer has gone to play golf.. You can unsubscribe at any time.Bale has not featured in any of Madrid's last seven gamesZidane wants rid of the Welshman, with whom he won four Champions League titles

Scotland American veteran Woods opened his Players Championship campaign with an even par at TPC Sawgrass on Thursday - six shots adrift of a crammed leaderboard which includes world number one Dustin Johnson, Webb Simpson, Alex Noren, Chesson Hadley, Matt Kuchar and Patrick Cantlay. The Welshman is not part of the Real Madrid squad to take on Manchester City in the Champions League on Friday night, despite Zinedine Zidane naming 24 players - including suspended Sergio RamosGet all the very latest news in Ireland straight to your email every single day Zinedine Zidane says Gareth Bale “preferred not to play” and was subsequently left at home from But Bale’s camp have issues with the Frenchman’s timeline of events.The Welshman, 31, was not included in Los Blancos’ 24-man squad for Friday night’s last 16, second leg tie.That’s despite eight forwards and skipper Sergio Ramos being named by Zidane - even though the centre-back is suspended for the Etihad showdown.Speaking at his Thursday press conference ahead of the game, Zidane was asked a number of questions about Bale’s exclusion.He offered: "We have a respectful coach-player relationship. Bale is a massive golf fan, and said he’ll be catching as much of the Players Championship action as he can inbetween Real Madrid training and match days.“Obviously around my training and games I’ll be following updates as and where I can. Zinedine Zidane says Gareth Bale “preferred not to play” and was subsequently ... 8 where he played in the Hoag Classic on the PGA Champions Tour. Golf Golf

It’s going to be an exciting tournament, you have the best players in the world and it’s an amazing course, on 16,17,18 anything can happen, especially on 17, so it’s going to be a great tournament, and I can’t wait for it to get started.”Unable to make it to the tournament itself or indeed back to Wales where he has a replica of the famous Par 3 17th hole in his garden, Bale tested his short game golf skills on a floating island green positioned on a swimming pool:Despite landing in the water on his first couple of attempts, mirroring the perils of the real hole at TPC Sawgrass, Bale soon found his range chipping the specially designed balls onto the green to tee up a series of ‘birdie’ opportunities.Speaking about the challenge, Bale said; “It was good fun, I’m definitely taking it home with me!
Sometimes they’ll include recommendations for other related newsletters or services we offer.

Bale has done it again. Ahead of the Players Championship at TPC Sawgrass this week, Real Madrid footballer Gareth Bale has teamed up with the PGA Tour to take on the purest test of golf, the famous island green.

UK Some of the stuff I used to watch him do and is doing again now, is incredible. Over the years you see people go into the water, there’s not too many hole in ones, there’s just so much drama around it and anything can happen and it made me want to build it at home and have some fun with my friends and I just enjoy playing it.”Bale also tried out a different challenge, this one tasking him with trying to chip a ball into a mug from distance.After a couple of near misses, he quickly found his range with the wedge and landed the ball perfectly into the centre of the cup:As for which PGA Tour player he’d love to have a round of golf with, Bale said it would have to be Tiger Woods.“Probably Tiger, he’s Tiger Woods, he’s the biggest name in golf he’s obviously the best player that’s ever played the game. I also love watching Rory McIlroy play, I have a few players I really like, but whenever he’s playing I try and watch him, and I’m interested in how he plays and it’s just amazing how he plays the game, so it would be nice see him win.”The Frenchman has withdrawn from the Celtic Classic.Tour rookie Daly stepped in when Nick Price had to withdrawn on the eve of the tournament.The 23-year-old was playing in only his second major.The 23-year-old triumphed at the US PGA Championship thanks to a magnificent final round of 64.The US player held off England’s Paul Casey, who finished tied for second with Dustin Johnson.The 23-year-old emerged from a seven-way tie to snatch the lead in California.The American carded five birdies and two bogeys en route to a final-round 67.The top 17 names on the leaderboard are separated by just four shots in California.Paul Casey cut a calm and relaxed figure after keeping himself in the hunt at the PGA Championship on Saturday. Gareth Bale is reportedly ready to see out the remainder of his Real Madrid contract even if he does not play another game for the club.. Real Madrid coach Zinedine Zidane says Gareth Bale was left out of the squad to face Manchester City in the Champions League on Friday because he 'preferred not to play'. Gareth Bale: Tiger Woods is the greatest of all-time Getty Images Real Madrid and Wales forward Gareth Bale, a self-professed golf fanatic, praised Tiger Woods' return to golf. Ourexplains more about how we use your data, and your rights. UK Golf UK