Gareth Bale: 'I may celebrate against Tottenham Hotspur'

Real Madrid forward Gareth Bale has admitted that he may find it difficult to refrain from celebrating against former side Tottenham Hotspur should he find the net.

The 28-year-old swapped the English capital for Madrid in 2013 for a then-record sum of £85m, going on to win the Champions League three times in his four years at the club.

Bale is now in line to come up against the Lilywhites in a competitive match for the first time since departing when they lock horns in UEFA's showpiece competition, with the first meeting scheduled for October 17 at the Bernabeu.

Asked if he will manage to keep his emotions in check if he scores in either match, the Wales international told the Daily Mail: "I scored against Spurs in a pre-season game a couple of years ago and I didn't really celebrate then.

"I suppose it depends on how you feel on the day. If it's a 91st-minute winner, can you control yourself? That's the question.

"I remember playing against Real Madrid when I was still at Tottenham and 'Crouchy' (Peter Crouch) being sent off after only 15 minutes and that killed the game for us. All my friends are still Tottenham fans. That is their team in the Premier League and I will certainly have a lot of ticket requests."

Bale also revealed that he weighed up a move to Manchester United this summer, but decided to remain at Madrid in order to add to his trophy collection.