Put pressure on other players, not on Gareth Bale - Cristiano Ronaldo

Gareth Bale (L) and Cristiano Ronaldo

Real Madrid forward Cristiano Ronaldo has come out in support for his teammate Gareth Bale, following a difficult two months at the Santiago Bernabeu, after completing a record transfer move from Tottenham Hotspur to become the world’s most expensive player.

Speaking ahead of the Los Blancos’ Champions League clash against Juventus at home, the Portugal international said: “I think Gareth Bale has done well. Since he arrived he has had to do a preseason, so it has been difficult for him. But you can see he is very excited about being here.

“He always wants to improve, which is important. People put pressure on him, for how much he costs, which I do not think is good for him. If you want to help him, leave him alone, put pressure on other players. I am sure he will do very well for the team.”

Being two very similar players in terms of the way they play their game, the 28-year-old was also open to help the Welshman if he ever needs assistance. He said: “All good players can play together, and they must, to make the team good. I do not feel Bale has copied me with his free kicks — he has his own style of taking them. If he asks for advice of course I will give it.

“He is a very humble kid, who I would like to help if he asks. I see him as a great player, and want to play with the great players, to win important things.”

When asked about the former Juventus director Luciano Moggi’s claims that Ronaldo came so close to joining Juventus as a teenager, Ronaldo said many clubs were interested in signing him but only Manchester United were able to convince him.

He said: “I have been close to every team. It is a good thing, leaving jokes aside, that many clubs wanted me when I was young, and Juventus were one of those. But the club who gave me the best guarantee that I would grow as a player and a person, for their history and the manager Alex Ferguson, was Manchester United.”

Acknowledging the threat that Tevez could pose in their clash against Juventus on Wednesday, Ronaldo said: “Juventus are a compact team — difficult to play against. Any of their players can make the difference, so we must focus on all their aspects.

“I played a lot with Tevez. He was a very important player for Manchester United and for me. We played very well together and won a lot together. We must keep an eye on him tomorrow, as he is a very dangerous player. I hope he does not do so well tomorrow.”