Real Madrid manager Rafael Benitez has stressed the importance of Manchester United-linked Gareth Bale to the team and hopes that Welshman will find his form this season.
The 26-year-old has been linked with a move away from the Santiago Bernabeu, with a move back to England being seen as a strong possibility. The Red Devils in fact reportedly failed with a €150m combined bid for Bale and his team-mate Raphael Varane.
And now the newly appointed Los Blancos manager has gone on to stress the importance of the former Tottenham player to the team, insisting that the player is absolutely happy with his stay in Spain. The 55-year-old also took time to add that he cannot really talk about offers for his players.
Bale, who was subjected to sharp criticism last season for having failed to perform at his usual high level was also defended by his manager.
According to Benitez, Bale is very much capable of regaining his form and having an outstanding season with the Madrid giants.
relatedNewsStory
"Gareth is a key player for us and obviously I can't talk about offers for our players", Benitez said at a press conference also attended by Bayern Munich boss Pep Guardiola, Tottenham manager Mauricio Pochettino and AC Milan boss Sinisa Mihajlovic on the eve of the Audi Cup.
"He's an important member of the squad; I know he wants to play well and that he is happy. I’m sure he’s going to have a great season."
Bale managed a total of 48 appearances for Real Madrid last season, scoring 17 goals and also provided his team-mates with 12 assists.
