Gareth Bale wants central role at Real Madrid

Bale refused to celebrate after scoring against his former side Tottenham Hotspur

Welsh international Gareth Bale has once again reiterated his desire to play in a central role for Real Madrid, The Guardian reports. The 26-year-old was speaking after Real’s match against Tottenham Hotspur in the semi-final of the Audi Cup, a game in which he scored against his former club.

Madrid manager Rafael Benitez played Bale in a No 10 role as he employed a 4-4-2 formation and it reaped dividends as the Welshman scored late in the match which they won 2-0. Bale certainly minced no words in stating his desire to continue playing through the middle.

"It's my best position," he told reporters. "When I played for Tottenham, I felt I played my best football there and, when I play for Wales, I play there and play my best football. For me, that's my position and it's where I want to play. I'm able to go out to the left and the right and it's what I was doing at Tottenham and what I do for Wales.”

Madrid signed Bale in the summer of 2013 for a world record transfer fee of £86 million but his form for the Spanish club has been called into question a number of times. Benitez’s predecessor Carlo Ancelotti used him predominantly on the wings, something Bale has time and again cited as the reason for being less effective for the 10-time Champions League winners.

Bale responds to Manchester United rumour

Bale also responded to the rumours linking him with a move to Manchester United. Reports yesterday had suggested that United had made two bids in the region of £100m for Bale but were turned down by Real.

Bale insisted that he was looking forward to some exciting times with the Spanish club.

“It's great to have the support of the manager and the president (Florentino Perez) and, hopefully, I can repay them with some goals and trophies," Bale said.

United take on Spurs in the opening weekend of the Premier League campaign this Saturday and Bale said that it felt weird playing against his former side before wishing them luck for the upcoming season.

“There are some familiar faces in the Tottenham squad, but there have also been a lot of changes. I know a few of the players who are staying in the same hotel so it’s been nice to catch up with everybody. Hopefully, they will do well this season,” Bale said.

“They play some great stuff. They are a bit weary. They have got their first Premier League game this weekend so they are preparing for that. Hopefully, they can do well and qualify for the Champions League.”