Real Madrid boss Zinedine Zidane has accused Gareth Bale of refusing to play for Los Blancos as the fallout continues over the club’s attempts to force the Welshman to leave Spain.

Bale’s agent said earlier this week that the Madrid head coach was a “disgrace” for saying it would be “best for everyone” if the 30-year-old left the club soon.

Zidane’s comments came after Bale did not feature in the club’s 3-1 pre-season defeat by Bayern Munich in the United States.

Speaking in Washington on Monday night, Zidane said he wanted to clarify the situation as he claimed that Bale did not play against Bayern because he had refused to get changed for the match, report the Daily Telegraph.

“At times my Spanish is very suspect,” Zidane said.

“I want to be very clear about this. Firstly, I have not disrespected anybody and least of all the player. I have always said the same, the players are the most important and every time I am with a player here I will be with them always.

“The second thing, I said the club is trying to sell him. Third point, I think it is very important and crucial to say that the other day Gareth did not change because he did not want to.”

Madrid face Arsenal on Tuesday night and Bale trained with the squad on Monday.

“Gareth is a Real Madrid player,” said Zidane. “That is the most important thing, he is a player for the squad.”