Gareth Bale has claimed that Cristiano Ronaldo has been a huge help in settling into life in Madrid.
The Welshman joined Real Madrid last summer for a world record €100m, and has since enjoyed a productive first season in Spain – becoming only the second player this term to have double figures for goals and assists.
But the former Tottenham man has insisted that none of that would have been possible with the Ballon d’Or winner.
"I think since the first step that I made into Real Madrid he’s been absolutely amazing with me,” he told BT.
“He’s given me advice on and off the pitch, with football matters and he’s given me advice where to live and stuff like that.
“He is such a nice guy, so helpful, always wants the best for the team and obviously people write things about him but people who actually know him know exactly what he is like and he’s a great man and a great footballer as well."
Bale has also admitted that former Spurs teammate Luka Modric has been a huge help.
“Yes, we were there for five years together at Tottenham and we actually got on really well there as well so having him here obviously was a massive plus for me.
“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.”
