Gareth Bale's first goal for Real Madrid against Liverpool in the Champions League final should confirm him as a legend for Los Blancos with a statue outside the Bernabeu of him scoring. But instead the goal could be in his last game match for Real.
For the second year in a row the will he, won't he saga of Bale starting was the biggest story when it came to the line ups in the Champions League final. For the second year in a row the Welshman had to make his way to the bench to start.
A year ago Bale's fitness had been in question heading into the Cardiff final against Juventus and by the time he came on in his hometown Los Blancos were on their way to winning a second title in a row.
Fast forward a year and Bale was injury free and had scored four goals in his last three appearances for the La Liga side but still he found himself on the bench against Liverpool.
Advert
When he came on this time it was 1-1 and it took him just two minutes to make the difference, scoring the best Champions League final goal ever. The 28 year old added to that late on to make it 3-1 but after the match, speaking on the pitch, he hinted that it may be the end for him at the Bernabeu, saying:
"I'm disappointed not to start the game. I felt like I deserved it but the manager makes the decisions so what can you do?
"I need to be playing week in week out and that hasn't happen this season for one reason or another, I need to sit down in the summer and discuss it with my agent and go from there."
Bale's time in the Spanish capital has been very up and down, he has suffered injuries and not always been on form but he has still mostly played well and made significant contributions to winning competitions.
Advert
Despite that the fans have never really taken to him, especially because of a perceived rivalry with Cristiano Ronaldo, and he's often been linked with a move away.
Manchester United have often been the club that he has been rumoured to be joining and Jose Mourinho would most likely be in for him this summer should he become available.
Chelsea and PSG would be other potential destinations should the former Spurs winger leave, with Mauricio Pochettino's side having first refusal.
If it is his final match for Real it'll be some way to bow out!
Featured Image Credit:Topics: Liverpool, Football News, Manchester United, gareth bale, Zinedine Zidane, champions league final, Champions League, Loris Karius, Real Madrid