Does Bale plan to laugh in the stands until 2022?

Two smiles currently say a lot in this Real Madrid squad. There is Marco Asensio's, a symbol of commitment to the team and love of football after an injury, and Gareth Bale's, with his mask covering his eyes in the stands and laughing on camera. It was the fourth consecutive game that he didn't feature. He has played 100 minutes after the break. And it doesn't seem to matter to him, given his smile.

Bale hasn't contributed anything to Real Madrid's journey to the league title. He walked for a while against Eibar and played just over an hour against Mallorca. Zinedine Zidane no longer orders him to warm up. As with James Rodriguez, the coach is very clear on who he can count on for this final stretch of the season, who is going to give their all to win the title and who feels more comfortable in the stands.

It's clear that Bale cannot be resuscitated at Real Madrid. If he still has a drop of football left in his boots, it's up to him to decide. His agent doesn't stop saying that he is going to fulfil his contract with the club, which ends in 2022.

Does he intend to be laughing in the stands until 2022? Does he not have self-esteem, desire for revenge or to play football?

Last summer it became clear that no side in Europe wanted or could afford Bale's fee and salary. China tempted him at age 30 which speaks volumes for the ambition of the player.

If he is not able to adjust his salary to his current situation and look for a team in which to feel happy, if all he can do is laugh in the stands or think of the millions to be made in an undemanding league, he is validating those who believe his time at Real Madrid has been disappointing.

Those who believe that, behind his contribution in some important moments, from the overhead kick in Kiev, or the sprint at Mestalla, was a player destined to make history, have been in a continuous cycle of disappointment.