Gareth Bale plays down Real Madrid departure rumours

Real Madrid attacker Gareth Bale has played down suggestions that he could be departing the Bernabeu this summer, insisting that he is “not listening” to speculation.

The 28-year-old is rumoured to be on the verge of being moved on amid suggestions that Los Blancos are looking to finance a move for AS Monaco teenager Kylian Mbappe.

Bale has thus been linked with a move back to the Premier League, with Chelsea and Manchester United believed to be interested in the Welshman’s services.

Speaking after Real won the UEFA Super Cup, Bale told BT Sport: “I’m just concentrating on my football and I’m not listening to anything. I’m not reading anything, although people tell me bits and bobs. I’m enjoying my football and playing as much as I can and winning trophies.”

When asked whether Madrid have told him that he can move on, the Welshman replied: “Not that I know of. I haven’t had any of those conversations. I am just concentrating on my football and trying to get fitness up after not playing regularly for eight or nine months.”

Bale has scored 67 goals in 151 appearances for Madrid, although he was limited to just 19 La Liga outings last term.