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Gareth Bale can fill the void left by Cristiano Ronaldo\u2019s departure, according to new Real Madrid boss Julen Lopetegui.<\/p>\nGareth Bale can fill the void left by Cristiano Ronaldo\u2019s departure, according to new Real Madrid boss Julen Lopetegui.<\/p>\n
Ronaldo joined Juventus in July, ending a record-breaking nine-year spell in the Spanish capital.<\/p>\n
Real\u2019s only attacking reinforcement so far this summer has been 18-year-old Brazilian Vinicius Junior, but Bale \u2013 who had also been linked with an exit from the Bernabeu \u2013 has been backed to take on more responsibility this season.<\/p>\n
\u201cGareth is happy to play at Real Madrid,\u201d Lopetegui said at a press conference in Miami, according to the BBC.<\/p>\n
\u201cCristiano Ronaldo is one of the main players in the recent history of Real Madrid. He expressed a desire to leave and we allowed him to.<\/p>\n
\u201cGareth Bale is a magnificent player, with so many qualities. He can help fill the void.\u201d<\/p>\n
Bale came off the bench to score twice in Real\u2019s Champions League final win against Liverpool in May.<\/p>\n
The Wales forward has lifted European football\u2019s biggest prize four times since joining Real in 2013.<\/p>\n
Lopetegui has replaced Zinedine Zidane as the club\u2019s head coach since that third successive Champions League success, and the former Spain boss believes he has a squad good enough to challenge again.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe are delighted with the squad we have and are convinced that we will fight for all our objectives,\u201d Lopetegui added, according to Marca.<\/p>\n
\u201cIf a player doesn\u2019t come or go, I will be a happy coach.<\/p>\n
\u201cWith the squad we have, we will be able to face the demands of Real Madrid.\u201d<\/p>\n