I want Gareth Bale to stay at Real Madrid

Wales boss Chris Coleman has advised Gareth Bale to reject the lure of a return to the Premier League and stay at Real Madrid.

Bale came in for criticism from sections of the Spanish media and Madrid fans last season for his perceived dip in performance levels compared to his debut campaign, but Coleman insists it is vital that his compatriot continues to star for Los Blancos.

“If I’m being selfish, from a manager’s point of view in terms of one week getting Gareth to come and play with us, I would rather him stay with Madrid because the quality is obviously there in La Liga, but the physicality is different,” he told Sky Sports News HQ.

“The Premier League is the most unforgiving league on the planet and players get weary halfway through it, physically it is very demanding. La Liga is slightly different.