Not Ronaldo or Benzema: the player Bale joined Madrid to play alongside

Speaking to the 'Daily Mail', Bale revealed that a former team-mate was the key to his signing for Los Blancos en 2013: "The reason I came to Madrid is because Modric was here."

"We both played well together at Tottenham. I know that he was a great player and that helped me to adapt before," explained the Welshman.

In addition, the 28-year-old realised how important it was for him not to feel alone in the dressing room during the first few days: "Having someone who can help you is great, especially when you come from a different country and another league."