Gareth Bale's Real Madrid team-mates have fired a message to boss Zinedine Zidane - the Wales star has to be in the Los Blancos team.
Bale had looked set for a summer exit, with Real boss Zidane having been keen to offload the 30-year-old, who was linked with Manchester United and Tottenham .
But president Florentino Perez pull the plug on a switch to China for Bale, who has won four Champions League crowns at the Santiago Bernabeu.
Bale appeared to have been left in limbo, but he made a surprise start in Madrid’s La Liga opener against Celta Vigo on Saturday, with Eden Hazard out injured.
Bale impressed, playing a role in Karim Benzema’s early opener, as Los Blancos ultimately ran out 3-1 winners.
Now two of his team-mates have underlined Bale's importance to the Real team, and said he must play if the La Liga giants are to return to the top of Spanish and European football.
Real's Brazilian midfielder Casemiro said: "He has given us titles, he's scored in finals and he has a lot of respect from us all.
"He has to play. He's a great player and is very important for us."
Belgian goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois echoed Casemiro's comments, saying: "He is an important player and played a great match.
"Everyone loves him and it is important that he plays for us. We are so happy with Bale."
Bale was substituted in the second period, with his display acknowledged by Zidane as he made his way to the bench.
And after the final whistle Zidane assured that Bale would have a part to play in 2019-20, and that a move is no longer on the table .
"He is going to stay. We have to focus on this season, nothing else," the coach explained to reporters.
"Hazard's injury is bad luck for us, but it has not changed the idea we had for Bale in this game.
"Gareth, James [Rodriguez] and all the players here are going to defend this shirt."
