This archive report was first published on 11 August 2019.
Real Madrid coach Zinedine Zidane has made a surprise move by recalling Gareth Bale to the squad for their pre-season friendly against Roma on Sunday.
The 30-year-old Wales forward had been absent from the team's last few games, including their Audi Cup match in Germany and a friendly against Red Bull Salzburg in Austria.
According to reports, Bale was not in the right mental state to play after Real Madrid blocked a potential move to China.
Colombia forward James Rodriguez, who has also been linked with a move away from the club, is not part of the 20-man squad in Italy.
Real Madrid begin their La Liga campaign against Celta Vigo next Saturday, and Bale's return to the squad could be a boost for the team.
The former Tottenham forward arrived at the Bernabeu in 2013 for a then-world record Sh10.5 billion (£85m) and has three years left on his contract.
Coach Zinedine Zidane had previously stated that Bale was 'very close to leaving' Real Madrid, having fallen out of favour with the Spanish giants.
