The Welshman was being shown the door just weeks ago by Zinedine Zidane, but it would appear that he's making the right noises on his six-year anniversary.
Gareth Bale had been given his marching orders at Real Madrid. Zinedine Zidane had tried to avoid the question for a number of weeks following his return to the Bernabéu dugout in March, then, as the season closed, made it as clear as possible: "If he leaves tomorrow, it's better for everyone.”
Bale wrote on his Twitter: "Proud to play for this great club!"
With few clubs in world football able, and willing, to pay his mammoth salary demands, it looked as though it was a straight choice between a move to the Chinese Super League or remaining in the Spanish capital and picking up playing minutes from time to time.