Ramon Calderon: "It's a pity to see Gareth Bale in the stands"

Former Real Madrid president, Ramon Calderon, has waded in on the debate surrounding Gareth Bale's situation at the club. The Welsh star spent the final few matches of the LaLiga season in the stands and didn't travel with the team for the Champions League contest against Manchester City either. It's clear that Zinedine Zidane doesn't see him as part of his plans but Bale's wages are a huge drain on the club's finances. 

Speaking to the BBC, Calderon said this on Bale: "It's very sad. It's a pity to see a player like him in the stands. I think his skill and talent has not gone, he is still a good player who could be playing at a high level in any team in the world."

According to Zidane, Bale didn't want to travel to Manchester and remained in Spain. His teammates were eliminated by City after failing to provide any cutting edge in front of goal. These are the moments Bale was signed for. Instead, he was captured playing golf. 

Calderon feels there is no simple solution whilst both Zidane and Bale remain at Madrid. "The coach does not rely on him. If Zidane stays with Real, which I think is certain, then he (Bale) will have to find a new way."

"Therefore I think they will have to find a solution to end this agony for the sake of both sides," insists Calderon. "If he doesn't want to reduce his salary, which would be understandable, they will have to find another way to finish this situation."