Get all your news in one place.
100's of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
Daily Mirror
Daily Mirror
Sport
James Whaling

Gareth Bale stars on return to action for Real Madrid against Arsenal

Gareth Bale starred on his return to action for Real Madrid as they face Arsenal in Washington.

The two sides went head-to-head in an International Champions Cup clash - and Bale was introduced as a substitute at half-time.

Real were 2-0 down but the Welshman wasted no time in having an impact, tapping in after Emiliano Martinez saved from Marco Asensio.

Asensio himself then levelled before he was taken off on a stretcher. Real would go on to win on penalties, despite Bale seeing his spot kick saved.

He was named on the bench for the match after not being in the squad for Real's match against Bayern Munich.

Bale scored Real's first goal in Washington (Getty Images)

Real boss Zinedine Zidane confirmed the club were actively trying to sell him as the Spanish giants look to get the Welshman's £600,000-a-week salary off their wage bill.

But Zidane later claimed Bale had refused to play against Bayern - before suggesting he could be named in the squad tonight.

Former Tottenham flier Bale has two offers on the table from the Chinese Super League and could earn £1m-a-week in the Far East.

"I have not disrespected anyone and much less a player (Bale)," Zidane said ahead of the Arsenal clash. "The club is dealing with his departure. Period.

Bale celebrates his goal (Getty Images)

"The other day Gareth didn't play because he didn't want to. He said the club was trying to negotiate his departure he and didn't want to play because of that.

"So far, Bale hasn't asked not to play tomorrow.

“Bale's situation is known by everyone and will not change. The club is going to do what they have to do with him.

“I have to respect the players. Bale is with us and will do the same as the others."

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100's of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
One subscription that gives you access to news from hundreds of sites
Already a member? Sign in here
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.