“Ronaldo makes life easy for me”

Gareth Bale has said that his Real Madrid team-mate, Cristiano Ronaldo, has helped him settle in at the Santiago Bernabeu.

The Welsh winger scored on his debut for the La Liga side, after his world-record move from Tottenham Hotspur, but has had to endure months of issues with his fitness.

However, in his last four games in all competitions, he has scored three times and provided five assists. Bale has pointed out Ronaldo as playing a key role, as he continues to find his feet.

“When you play with the best player in the world, it does make life easier,” the former Spurs star told the Football Association of Wales’ YouTube channel.
“And to be playing with him and the rest of the team is massive for me and I’m enjoying every minute of it.

“It was obviously a little bit of a slow start, with not having a pre-season and getting a few nagging injuries, but that’s out of the way now and I feel I’ve settled in very well.

“Everybody at the club has been very helpful, the players have been great with me.

“I’m starting to play my football on the pitch now and enjoying the whole of the life in Madrid.”

Bale also revealed that he had started lessons in Spanish, but admitted it will take sometime before he becomes fluent in the language.

“It’s coming along,” he explained. “I’m learning slowly. The main thing is to get my head down into my football first and all the rest will come after.

“I’ve started a few lessons and learning a few words – but I think it’s going to take a bit of time.”