I think that is true but there was certainly fault on both sides, Zidane seemed to have a personal issue with him and then obviously the club torpedoing his move to China after they had basically told him to leave didn't go over well. If he had left at that point I don't think there would be a sour taste on either side. Once we get a few years down the road I imagine the bad times will be forgotten and he will be remembered as a key member of an amazing Madrid side and the scorer of some truly spectacular goals in big games.
Honestly he was physically finished 18 months ago, it is sad but some players just break down physically a lot earlier than others. He played on for the World Cup and although his presence on the pitch arguably contributed to some of the dire performances in Qatar when he was clearly unable to move freely, it is impossible to begrudge him because Wales would never have been there without him.
His peak may have only lasted 5 or 6 years but he was an immense player for that period with only Ronaldo and Messi clearly better than him. To put his career in perspective, I am 51 and was born 13 years after the last World Cup appearance by Wales. He made a childhood dream of mine a reality and for that I can never thank him enough as it is entirely likely I will be long gone before Wales make it back again. Hwyl Fawr Gareth.
