I'll be even better this season, Gareth Bale warns Real Madrid's rivals
Welshman aims to hit new heights in second season in Spain
Real Madrid star Gareth Bale believes that he can reach even greater heights in the 2014-15 campaign after completing his first full pre-season with the club.
The Welsh forward took time to find his feet in the Spanish capital after a protracted transfer from Tottenham Hotspur costing around 100 million euros (HK$1 billion) a year ago, but he finished his maiden campaign by engraving his name in Madrid folklore.
After scoring a memorable winner against Barcelona in the Copa del Rey final, he headed home the decisive second goal in Madrid’s 4-1 extra-time win over city rivals Atletico Madrid in the Champions League final.
The goal in Lisbon means that the former Southampton youngster will forever be associated with Madrid’s historic 10th European Cup success, but he feels that there is even more to come from him this season.
“Obviously it’s a lot easier having a pre-season under your belt, rather than sitting at home waiting for a transfer to go through,” he said ahead of Madrid’s meeting with Sevilla in the Uefa Super Cup on Tuesday.
“I’m in much better shape this season and I feel I can start the season at a better tempo. I’m in great shape.”