Gareth Bale: Cristiano has made me a better player

Gareth Bale has said he is delighted to be playing at Real Madrid as playing alongside Cristiano Ronaldo has made him a better player.

The Welshman joined Los Blancos from Tottenham Hotspur 15 months ago and scored 22 goals in his opening season at the Santiago Bernabeu. Two of those will go down as some of the most important goals ever scored by a Real player – the first was an incredible solo effort against Barcelona while he also scored the crucial second goal for Los Blancos in the Champions League final.

Speaking to the Daily Telegraph, Bale said he has improved a lot in his time in the Spanish capital and much of that is down to playing alongside Ronaldo.

“To learn from the best player in the world is incredible. He has helped me to become a better player and his attitude towards me since I arrived in the Madrid dressing room has been fantastic. He also advised me on where to live in Madrid,” the 25-year-old said.

He also revealed how he’s watched his Champions League final goal many times over and also loves living in Madrid because of the weather.

“Winning the Champions League was a unique feeling. I’ve seen my goal against Atletico Madrid several times and ask myself how I didn’t break my knees in celebration.

“I’m also enjoying the weather here, although when you go onto the training ground in summer you are already sweating.”