Real Madrid coach Zinedine Zidane insists he has a gpod relationship with Gareth Bale.

Zidane has made clear that he hopes the Welshman stays at the club for the remainder of the season.

"I want Gareth to stay here until the end of the season," Zidane explained in his pre-match press conference ahead of Wednesday's Galatasaray match.

"People keep saying that I want him to leave in January, it's nonsense.

"Our fans have to think positively, as the player wants to be with us.

"He has returned here and wants to recover, but he simply hasn't recovered yet."

Many supporters have been surprised by Wales' decision to name Bale in their latest international squad when he has been injured for his club, yet Zidane defended Ryan Giggs' decision to pick his best player.

"What we want is for the player to be comfortable, but at the moment he isn't ready to play normally," he added.

"Wales have the right to call him up.

"The player wants to be fit, there's no doubt about that.

"We'll see how he is this week, at the moment he's not ready."

Zidane was pressed on his relationship with the Welsh player and insisted it is a positive one.

"We have a good relationship and say 'good day' everyday and I truly love all my players," the coach said.

"Nothing has ever happened with Bale, even in the summer when he was going to go.

"You [the media] need to stop always saying the same thing or asking me about him leaving matches early, because I used to do the same.

"There are closer relationships with certain players, but the important thing is that he was with the team before the match and at half time to support them.

"You look for things that aren't there.

"He wants to see the team win, I have no doubts about that."