Real Madrid winger Gareth Bale has revealed how his former Tottenham Hotspur teammate Luka Modric helped him settle in the Spanish capital.
The Wales international became the world's most expensive player when he joined Los Blancos for around £85m last summer, and he spoke of how Croatian international Modric, who had joined from Spurs in 2012, helped him in his early days.
Speaking to BT Sport, Bale said: "Yes [having Modric there was a help] 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.
"I spoke with him about various things and obviously a few of the other players as well that obviously advised me where to live and I had a look around everywhere and decided to live where I am now and I am very happy where I'm living, very happy here in Madrid at the moment and hopefully I can be here for a long time."
Bale has scored 20 goals for Carlo Ancelotti's side this term.
Paul Gorst
