Bale ready to excel and fulfil his potential at Madrid

Phil Blanche 07:06 14/08/2014
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  • Happy homecoming: Gareth Bale in action during Real Madrid’s 2-0 European Super Cup win over Sevilla at the Cardiff City Stadium.

    Gareth Bale admits he is feeling a lot better about life at Real Madrid as he enters his second season in Spain.

    Bale returned to his native Car­diff on Tuesday night as star-stud­ded Real started the new campaign as they finished the last one – with a trophy. 

    Cristiano Ronaldo’s double secured a 2-0 Super Cup victory for the Champions League winners over La Liga rivals Sevilla as the Wales international again exhib­ited his trademark pace and power.

    Bale set up Ronaldo’s first goal with a sublime cross and the world’s most expensive player, following his £86million (Dh527m) move from Tottenham a year ago, expects Real to be a major force again this season.

    “When I came to Madrid I wanted to settle down off the pitch as soon as possible because I knew if I could concentrate on my foot­ball I knew what I was capable of,” Bale said after Real’s triumph at the Cardiff City Stadium.

    “I know everybody in the squad now. I feel comfortable and the second season you’re obviously feeling a lot better.

    “You miss some things about home, but I’m thoroughly enjoying it in Madrid and looking forward to the season.

    “In sport anything can happen but hopefully we’ll be strong again.

    “We feel confident and will be trying our hardest to win every trophy.”

    Summer signings James Rod­riguez and Toni Kroos both made their debuts in Wales and Bale believes the extra quality will serve Real well as they seek to become the first club to make a successful defence of the Champions League.

    “It’s always good to have options,” Bale said. “It keeps com­petition more fierce and hopefully performances can go up.

    “The new lads have settled in very well. Toni Kroos speaks Eng­lish, so he’s with me!

    “It’s great to have him and James here and they both did very well.

    “We’re in a strong position and it’s exciting. We know how good we can be and how good we are but we need to keep working hard on the training pitch and the pitch, so hopefully we can keep performanc­es up.

    "We go into every competition looking to win it and we’ll be trying our best.”

    Bale’s performance in Cardiff also drew strong praise from matchwin­ner Ronaldo, who admits he enjoys playing alongside him.

    “Bale was fantastic, he played amazing,” Ronaldo said.

    “He looks strong, he looks fast and is a very important player for us. He had a fantastic season last year so it doesn’t surprise me the way he plays.

    “He showed his quality week by week and it’s great to have Gareth with us and be part of the success of Real Madrid.

    “I’m very glad to play with him too because he understands me and I understand him. He does fantastic passes and I love it.” 

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