Chris Coleman is hoping Gareth Bale continues his reign in Spain and vetoes a return to the Premier League.

Rumours are rife about Real Madrid beginning to lose patience with their £85m star signing after he picked up a groin injury having just overcome a calf problem. He has missed 40 of the last 60 matches for the reigning La Liga champions.

Talks of a return to the Premier League are never far away from Bale, but Coleman is hoping he remains in Spain because he believes the physicality of the Premier League is far greater than in La Liga.

But, more than anything else, Coleman, who took charge of his 50^th and final game as Wales manager under his current contract against Panama at Cardiff City Stadium on Tuesday, wants Bale to play where he is at his happiest.

“I would like to see Gareth play wherever he is happy. If I am going to be the Welsh manager for the next two or four years, whatever it is, I’d like to see him stay at Real Madrid,” admitted Coleman.

“Yes, he’s picked up a lot of injuries, but generally the Premier League is much tougher than La Liga in terms of physicality. It is very tough the Premier League.

“When he is happy he plays great football and when he comes with us we see an amazing player. If he is happy at Madrid, then fine, but if he’s not, then he needs to go and play somewhere where he is.

“He’ll be concerned he has picked up another niggle. It’s a shame because he is a loss for Real Madrid and they need him now.”