INTERVIEW
Gareth Bale talks Champions League, Atletico and Real Madrid
The Welshman on Cristiano's recovery, Zidane's style and how he's been settling into the new surroundings in a foreign country. He also gives a clear idea of the team's confidence.
Ahead of the Champions League final, the players are doing to the rounds with the media outlets and Gareth Bale is no different. Speaking in the mixed zone on media day he talked about the opposition, Atlético Madrid, who he describes as “a very physical and defensive team,” and that both teams know each other well.
On the manager Zidane he describes him as an “elegant player” who has brought that into management and adds that the freedom given to the players to express themselves has helped their play improve.
When asked about life in Spain he said that although it can be difficult he has grown as a person and also learned more as a player in the Spanish league.
The interview starts with his thoughts on team-mate Cristiano’s injury, something that has sparked rumours and concerns for all Madridistas.
[The full video will be added to this story shortly]
The Welsh forward also gave an interview to Spanish paper OK Diario on the two-year anniversary of the day he became a hero of the Real Madrid Décima, and he's hoping for a repeat on Saturday against Atleti saying, “Obviously we want to repeat the same scoreline to win the trophy, so yeah why not. I think the most important thing for us is that we give a hundred percent."
During the conversation his now-famous long locks were put in their place as he prioritised the European victory ahead of keeping them flowing behind his head. Let's see if that ponytail makes an appearance in Milan.