Zinedine Zidane: Gareth Bale? He was going and now he's here

Zinedine Zidane spoke to the media ahead of the season opener against Celta Vigo. The coach was asked about Gareth Bale, whom he wanted to leave but now it seems like the Welshman will stay.

“It seemed he was leaving and now he’s here with us," said Zidane.

"The dynamics and things change, but I will count on him. He has a good record and is an important player and I hope that all the players want to make it difficult for me to pick the team."

Here are the other key quotes:

New season

“We're optimistic as the league season begins. Everyone can say what they want about what they have seen so far, with the new players and those that were here before, but now the league starts, which is the big competition and we're very optimistic. We want to make the fans happy, play good football and that's what it's all about. Things are going to be done little by little, starting with tomorrow's game. There are a lot of new players that came in and we'll have everyone available."

James Rodriguez

“He's fit and I’m happy to have him in the squad. I will repeat what I said the other day, I will have everyone available. They’re also happy to be here."

Game style and winning

“Play well and win, that's what matters to me the most. For us it’s not about just winning; Winning is the consequence of what we’re going to do on the field. What we have to do is compete together as a team because we’re going to win things by playing as a team. I prefer to play well, at Real Madrid the important thing is also to play well."

Different systems

“I’m the coach and I want to have another way of playing, another option. We can do it with the players who have just come in, and I have to choose the best system to overcome the opponent.”

Vinicius Jr.

“Vinicius is 18 years old, but age has nothing to do with it. He’s an important player and the important thing is that the players are ready, because then I have to pick the team and that’s the most difficult thing, but it’s my job. The players have to be ready, prepared, because we’re going to have lots of games.”

Pogba

“He plays for Manchester United and you have to respect that. We’re here thinking about tomorrow's game.”

Neymar

"Neymar is not a Real Madrid player and I just said that the important players are the ones who are here."