Gareth Bale reveals key reason for improved Real Madrid form

After being left out in the cold by Zinedine Zidane, Gareth Bale has enjoyed a change in fortunes under new Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti.

Gareth Bale has admitted that Carlo Ancelotti’s arrival has coincided with a ‘better environment’ for himself at Real Madrid.

The 32-year-old returned to Spain this summer following a loan spell at Tottenham. Despite a slow start, Bale regained his fitness in north London and ended last season on a high. He has since carried over that form to Real Madrid, where he has started in each of the club’s first three La Liga games this term.

These developments have struck a change in Bale, with Wales interim boss Rob Page recently noting his captain has got the ‘bug back’ for football.

“I’ve always had a great relationship with Carlo,” said Bale in a press conference about his improved situation.

“But it’s still the same in that you have to perform to get in the team and I had a good pre-season, and a good start to the season.”

He continued: “I think it’s always good to be in a good environment. That’s the biggest reason I went to Tottenham, as I knew it would be a good environment for me. It was a break that maybe I needed and I had a great time at Tottenham.

“It definitely helped me mentally be back in a happier place, and I think that showed again coming back with Wales in the Euros, and then I’ve brought that into Real Madrid this season, where there’s obviously a better environment for myself anyway.”

Bale also dismissed rumors he considered retiring this summer and added he is focusing on what’s in front of him for now rather than dwelling on his Real Madrid contract expiring in 2022.