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Real Madrid transfer news: Gareth Bale prediction made after Cristiano Ronaldo exit
GARETH BALE will step up to fill the void at Real Madrid left behind by Cristiano Ronaldo, according to Craig Bellamy.
Hazard to Real Madrid: He'd be the new star over Bale says expert
The Welshman’s future at the Bernabeu remains uncertain despite Ronaldo’s £88million move to Juventus last month.
That’s because he is reportedly demanding to be a vital part of new manager Julen Lopetegui’s team, having been unfavoured by previous boss Zinedine Zidane.
Bale has long been linked with Manchester United with Bayern Munich also mentioned as a possible destination this summer.
But it appears increasingly likely that the 29-year-old will now remain at the Bernabeu.
And his compatriot Bellamy believes he should do exactly that, because he can fill the boots left by Ronaldo.
That’s despite Bale’s best ever goal tally in the Spanish capital having been the 22 goals he managed in his first season in 2013-14, while Ronaldo managed at least 40 goals in all of his last eight seasons, surpassing the 50-goal mark in six of them.
Bellamy told the Daily Star: “It’s changed with Ronaldo going, I think it opens up.
“He needs to be the main man in a team and he deserves to be the main man in a team.
“I just believe now with Ronaldo going this might give him that opportunity to be that main man at that team.
“One of the greatest teams in the world, probably the greatest team in the world at this present moment because they’ve won three European Cups in a row.
“I don’t think any other club could get anywhere near trying to break the bank to get him.
“I think he’s out of everyone’s reach unless he decides to rip his contract up at Real Madrid but I just don’t see it being realistic.”