Real Madrid boss Zinedine Zidane has claimed Gareth Bale refused to come on against Bayern Munich on Sunday.
Zidane hit back at accusations he showed Bale disrespect after publicly revealing the club were working on his departure and insisting he wanted him out immediately.
And he has again spoken out on the Welshman, who remained on the bench throughout the game with the German giants.
"I haven't shown a lack of respect towards anyone," Zidane said.
"What I said the other day is that the club was working on Bale's exit.
"I've always said the same thing: the players are the most important ones in all of this. Whenever there's a player involved, I'll always back them."
"Gareth didn't come on because he didn't want to, and he said it was because the club was working on his exit," he said.
Madrid are now due to play Arsenal on Tuesday, and Zidane says Bale could yet play in that game despite his imminent departure.
The 30-year-old is being strongly linked with a move to China, where he could reportedly earn £1m-a-week, but he is thought to be keen on remaining in Europe. The likes of Bayern Munich, PSG, Tottenham and Manchester United have all been linked but would struggle to match his current wages.
"The club is doing what it has to and that's all there is to it. Bale is currently part of the squad and I respect that. That's the most important thing for me," Zidane added.
Zidane's initial comments provoked an angry response from Bale's agent Jonathan Barnett, who the Sun reported branded the Frenchman a 'disgrace'.
"He shows no respect for a player that has done so much for Real Madrid," he reportedly told the Sun.
"If and when Gareth goes it will be because it is in the best interest of Gareth and nothing to do with Zidane pushing."
Asked about whether Bale is close to leaving Madrid, he said: "We are working on it."
