Real Madrid winger Gareth Bale has shared his delight after making his second appearance for the club in four days.
Bale came off the bench to make his Champions League bow for Madrid, helping Carlo Ancelotti's side record an emphatic 6-1 win over Galatasaray away from home.
The Welshman insisted that he had no concerns over being named as a sub this evening, as he continues to build up his fitness after missing pre-season through a combination of injury and protracted transfer negotiations.
He told Sky Sports News: "It is amazing and a big reason why I joined such a big club was to be playing in the biggest competition in the world and it was great to get out there tonight, get the win and a good start.
"I spoke with the manager and I had no pre-season whatsoever, I have trained seven or eight days, had 30 minutes for Wales and 60 minutes on the weekend so it was all about easing me in, and I felt good when I came on and I contributed.
"It is a different situation not to have a pre-season and it is a bit difficult, but I am feeling like I am getting there, getting minutes on the pitch and it is all about game time and building myself up."
Cristiano Ronaldo scored a hat-trick against the Turkish champions tonight, with Karim Benzema and Isco also on target in Istanbul.
Liam Power
