Ancelotti Calls on Real Madrid Fans to Recognize Bale’s Contributions

Real Madrid's head coach Carlo Ancelotti watches the Spanish La Liga match between Cadiz and Real Madrid at the Nuevo Mirandilla stadium in Cadiz, Spain, Sunday, May 15, 2022. (AP)
Real Madrid's head coach Carlo Ancelotti watches the Spanish La Liga match between Cadiz and Real Madrid at the Nuevo Mirandilla stadium in Cadiz, Spain, Sunday, May 15, 2022. (AP)
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Ancelotti Calls on Real Madrid Fans to Recognize Bale’s Contributions

Real Madrid's head coach Carlo Ancelotti watches the Spanish La Liga match between Cadiz and Real Madrid at the Nuevo Mirandilla stadium in Cadiz, Spain, Sunday, May 15, 2022. (AP)
Real Madrid's head coach Carlo Ancelotti watches the Spanish La Liga match between Cadiz and Real Madrid at the Nuevo Mirandilla stadium in Cadiz, Spain, Sunday, May 15, 2022. (AP)

Carlo Ancelotti says it is important Real Madrid recognize the contribution Gareth Bale has made to club and called on fans to give him a fitting farewell in his final home game when they face Real Betis later on Friday.

The 32-year-old has made just seven appearances in all competitions this season and is set to leave as a free agent when his contract expires in the summer.

Bale has won three La Liga titles and four Champions League crowns since joining from Tottenham Hotspur in 2013 but his time in Spain has been marred by injuries.

"Everyone knows that Bale's contract is ending and that he says goodbye to Real Madrid this year," manager Ancelotti told reporters.

"It's not important if he plays. What's important is Bale is a part of the history of this club. He'll always be in the memories of Real Madrid fans."

Bale has often been a target of the Spanish media, who labelled him a "parasite" after missing Real's 4-0 home loss to Barcelona in March, and he was jeered by some fans in making his first competitive home appearance in over two years last month.

The Welshman scored twice, including a stunning overhead kick, in the 2018 Champions League final against Liverpool and also netted a memorable winner against Barcelona in the 2014 Copa del Rey final.

"He was very important to the Decima (their 10th Champions League title) and the Copa del Rey final," added Ancelotti. "He has written some great chapters for this club, it is important we recognize that."

Bale was named in the Wales squad on Thursday for their World Cup playoff final against either Scotland or Ukraine, and three Nations League games next month.



Poland Manager Probierz Resigns after Row with Lewandowski

FILE - Poland's Robert Lewandowski, right, walks by head coach Michal Probierz, left, during a Group D match between Poland and Austria at the Euro 2024 soccer tournament in Berlin, Germany, Friday, June 21, 2024. (AP Photo/Petr Josek, File)
FILE - Poland's Robert Lewandowski, right, walks by head coach Michal Probierz, left, during a Group D match between Poland and Austria at the Euro 2024 soccer tournament in Berlin, Germany, Friday, June 21, 2024. (AP Photo/Petr Josek, File)
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Poland Manager Probierz Resigns after Row with Lewandowski

FILE - Poland's Robert Lewandowski, right, walks by head coach Michal Probierz, left, during a Group D match between Poland and Austria at the Euro 2024 soccer tournament in Berlin, Germany, Friday, June 21, 2024. (AP Photo/Petr Josek, File)
FILE - Poland's Robert Lewandowski, right, walks by head coach Michal Probierz, left, during a Group D match between Poland and Austria at the Euro 2024 soccer tournament in Berlin, Germany, Friday, June 21, 2024. (AP Photo/Petr Josek, File)

Poland manager Michal Probierz resigned from his position on Thursday, four days after star striker Robert Lewandowski said he will no longer play for the national team under him.

The 36-year-old Barcelona striker said his trust had been betrayed and he was very hurt by the way Probierz told him he was being replaced as team captain, Reuters reported.

Lewandowski, Poland's record goal-scorer, said on Monday that he received a short call from Probierz as he was putting his children to sleep and that a statement about him losing the captaincy appeared soon after on the Polish Football Association website.

Probierz decided to replace Lewandowski as captain with midfielder Piotr Zielinski.

"I have come to the conclusion that in the current situation the best decision for the good of the national team will be my resignation from the position of coach," Probierz said in a statement.

"Performing this function was the fulfilment of my professional dreams and the greatest honor in my life."