‘Florentino Perez selling Cristiano Ronaldo instead of Gareth Bale caused Zinedine Zidane's Real Madrid exit’

Former Real Madrid president Ramon Calderon has claimed that Fiorentino Perez’ decision to sell Cristiano Ronaldo, and keep Gareth Bale, drove Zinedine Zidane out of the club.

Both Zidane and Ronaldo left Madrid this summer, the former quitting after delivering three Champions Leagues in as many years, and the latter to join Juventus.

Bale, meanwhile, remained at the club, but has so far struggled to step up and fill the void left by Ronaldo. Real have struggled in LaLiga, falling 10 points behind leaders Barcelona.

Calderon, who was Real president between 2006 and 2009, says Zidane was desperate to keep Ronaldo, and willing to let Bale leave, but current president Perez had other plans.

“Zidane insisted on keeping Cristiano and selling Bale,” Calderon told AS.

“Instead, Perez did the opposite. Zidane wanted to have decision-making power when it came to signing and selling players, but his suggestions were ignored, so he decided to move on.

“Zidane made the right decision.”