Bale opens up on having Ronaldo as a Madrid teammate

Gareth Bale and Cristiano Ronaldo will go down in footballing history for their time together at Real Madrid. The Welshman and the Portuguese star were two thirds of BBC - alongside Karim Benzema, the trio were famed for dominating La Liga and the Champions League.

Bale and Ronaldo played together for five seasons between 2013 and 2018, and now five years later, Bale gave a rare insight into the experience of sharing a locker room with the superstar, speaking to Martin Bormeier at the BMW International Open Pro-Am golf tournament.

"He was actually okay. He had his moments. For example, if we win 5-0 and he didn't score, he comes in and throws his boots like he's angry. It's like your team winning in the Ryder Cup (team golf tournament) but you didn't get a point so you are angry", he said

"But he was a nice guy, nothing wrong, we didn't really have any problems," he added, "A lot of people could be scared of how he is but if you're not then it's fine".

Bale was asked about whether Ronaldo thanked his team for their support in his route to his individual Ballon d'Or wins, he replied initially, "I don't know... I think he did but ..", but seeing the camera he laughed and said "Yes he did".

Bale announced his retirement from football in January 2022, after spending six months with MLS team LAFC, and had some advice for Leo Messi, who is set to join Inter Miami next season, about the reduced pressure in the American league.

"They accept losing a bit more (in America). There is no consequence. You can't get relegated over there. When you lose a game you go on to the next one. They accept losing a lot better over there", he said, "They know how to lose but they celebrate every win like you have won the championship. He will definitely enjoy it."

 

June 30, 2023