From The Evening Standard article.........
Bale's name was missing as Los Blancos
announced a 24-man squad for the trip to the Etihad Stadium on Wednesday, with captain Sergio Ramos included despite being unable to play because of suspension.
The topic dominated Zidane's pre-match press conference on Thursday, and the Frenchman claimed
the winger had 'preferred not to play' against City.
"We have a respectful coach-player relationship," he said. "The only thing I can say is that he preferred not to play.
"Nothing more. The rest is between him and me."
Despite further questions, Zidane refused to elaborate on the 31-year-old's exclusion, but his explanation did not tell the full story.
Standard Sport understands Bale did ask to be left out of the travelling squad, but only because he has been ostracised in recent weeks and knew he would not play in Manchester.
Since lockdown, the former Tottenham attacker has played just 100 minutes across two appearances (one start) and did not feature in any of the final seven league games.
His request to be left in Madrid was not because he did not want to play, therefore, but in order to avoid a further 90 minutes watching from the sidelines when he knows his coach has no intention of using him.
While Zidane would not reveal details of their conversation, it seems clear that the winger was told he would not be featuring in Manchester and that is why he has been left out altogether.