Zidane plays down Bale flag controversy: I am going to focus on the football

Zinedine Zidane attempted to play down the backlash against Gareth Bale in Madrid after the Real forward celebrated Wales' qualification for Euro 2020 in front of his native flag carrying the caption: 'Wales. Gold. Madrid. In that order.' 

The Real Madrid coach said that there "is a lot of noise around Gareth but the most important thing for him and for me is to focus on football. Everyone has their opinion, thinks what they want. It's too much now. I'm not going to get into that, it's not my area. I focus on the football."  

Zidane confirmed that Bale is fit having not played for Madrid since October. He trained on Thursday and Friday and could feasture against Real Sociedad this weekend. 

"He has been away, he has been able to play and now he is back and is available," the French coach added. "He can make the difference, he is a decisive player. If he is fit, he has shown he is a key player and he will show it again.

"When you look at what he has given to the club and the fans, that is what we are all here for: for the club.

"Gareth is one of the team and the fans have to be behind us, always. I will always be behind my players. Outside, things can happen but inside, we should only look at the football."

Asked about Bale's comments that he's more excited when he plays for Wales, Zidane said: "I don't think so, maybe it's better for him with the language, but he seemed happy when he scored in the Champions League final.

"It's just the language, he said it. Inside the dressing room here, he's good."