Carlo Ancelotti has confirmed that Gareth Bale will leave Real Madrid this summer - and the Welshman has already been tipped for another Tottenham return.
The Wales superstar's contract at the Bernabeu is set to expire at the end of the current campaign, and the Real boss says the 32-year-old will subsequently bring the curtain down on his time in Spain.
Despite being on the end of some heavy criticism from fans and the Spanish media, Bale's time with Los Blancos has been hugely successful.
During his a nine-year stint with the club, Bale has won two La Liga titles, a Copa del Rey and four Champions Leagues.
But he became an outcast under previous boss Zinedine Zidane.
However, after injury setbacks and a lack of match sharpness, Bale is now back in the first-team picture at Real under Ancelotti, who says the Welshman is keen to end his time in Spain on a high.
Ancelotti said: "I have a good relationship with him and the rest of the players.
“Personal relationships are strong when everyone shows respect and he has always done that and has never let me down in that regard.
"In the past, he hasn't had great motivation, but he wants to end things here in a good way.
"Bale has helped this club to win the Champions League, Copa del Rey and signing off on a high here would be good for his career."
Attention will now turn on Bale's next move.
Reports elsewhere have already suggested another stint at Tottenham could be on the cards.
According to Tuttomercatoweb, Spurs have a 'pre-agreement' in place to sign him for a third time.
Bale signed for Tottenham on a season-long loan deal during the 2020/21 campaign, netting 11 goals in 21 Premier League appearances. However, a permanent deal failed to materialise.
The chance to sign him on a free this summer could change their stance, however, although there has also been talk of the winger retiring from club football completely, before hopefully signing off by leading Wales to the Qatar 2022 World Cup.
The bookies have even suggested that a move to home-town club Cardiff City could be a possibility, with Bale priced a 6/1 with some bookmakers to move to the Welsh capital.
Cardiff have previously been touted as favourites to complete a move, although there is admittedly little evidence to suggest there is any chance of romantic homecoming.
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