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Champions League: Ferdinand, Lampard, Gerard speak on Zidane’s preference of Benzema over Bale

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2 years ago

July 3, 2022

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Former England internationals, Frank Lampard, Steven Gerard and Rio Ferdinand, have reacted to the benching of Gareth Bale in Real Madrid’s 2-1 win over Bayern Munich on Wednesday.

Lampard believes Bale could be on his way out of Real Madrid in the summer transfer window following the statement he is getting from manager Zinedine Zidane lately.

Bale was only handed 45 minutes across the two legs of Real Madrid’s Champions League quarter-final with Juventus and was left frustrated once again last night.

He was an unused substitute as Zidane’s side won the first leg of their semi-final 2-1 at the Allianz Arena.

Speaking on the player’s condition at Santiago Bernabeu, Ferdinand told BT Sport, “One thing we were all talking about here in the studio before the game finished, making those substitutions and Gareth Bale doesn’t get on the pitch is a huge statement.”

Chelsea legend, Lampard believes Zidane’s refusal to bring on Bale at the Allianz Arena could spell the end for the forward at Madrid.

He said, “I think the statement is a good word because sometimes if the club is moving in the one right direction, they keep him on the bench, bringing the young players on, it’s a statement to say in the summer that things are going to change.’

Gerrard noted that even Benzema came on ahead of Bale despite the Frenchman’s woeful season in front of goal.

“Thing is as well, he is bringing Benzema on before him and Benzema is offering zero.”