Luka Modric has played a key part in helping Gareth Bale settle in Madrid since his move to the Spanish capital, the Welshman has said.
Bale joined Los Blancos in a 91 million euro move just a year after Modric made the same journey from Tottenham Hotspur to the Santiago Bernabeu.
Speaking to BTSport, Bale said he is enjoying life in Spain and has the Croatian to thank for helping him settle so quickly. The pair were close friends in their five years together at White Hart Lane, and have continued that friendship since linking up again in Carlo Ancelotti’s squad.
Bale, who has scored 20 goals in his opening season in Spain, said: “I obviously spoke to him about it, when he came to Madrid he didn’t really know anybody so it was quite difficult for him in his first year but having him here this year has made me settle in so much quicker, just being able to go in to the group and knowing someone, hanging around with them rather than feeling I am stuck on my own so it’s been a great help on and off the pitch and obviously I’m thankful for that.”
And he continued: “I spoke with him about various things and obviously a few of the other players as well that obviously advised me where to live and I had a look around everywhere and decided to live where I am now and I am very happy where I’m living, very happy here in Madrid at the moment and hopefully I can be here for a long time.”
