Gareth Bale: 'No rift with Cristiano Ronaldo at Real Madrid'

Gareth Bale puts a tender arm around Cristiano Ronaldo during the game between Real Madrid and Deportivo La Coruna on January 9, 2016
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Real Madrid forward Gareth Bale reiterates that there is no rift with teammate Cristiano Ronaldo, despite being publicly criticised by the Portuguese in the past.

Gareth Bale has once more moved to play down claims of a falling-out with Cristiano Ronaldo, insisting that he has nothing but respect for his Real Madrid teammate.

There was speculation of a rift between the Los Blancos pair last year after Ronaldo publicly criticised the Welshman for being too selfish at times.

Ronaldo looked to backtrack when insisting that their partnership is now blossoming, while Bale has also now claimed that there are no issues between the two Bernabeu superstars.

Speaking to BT Sport, he said: "It's fine. All the papers and the media try to create a lot of problems, but we've never had a problem in the dressing room or on the pitch. I think you know yourself he's an emotional player on the pitch, he can throw his arms up now and then but that's how he is.

"He works hard for the teams and scores goals which is important but as I said we've never had a problem. We get on really well. We speak. He speaks English which is good for me. I'm enjoying playing together. You can see he's dedicated, always in the gym working hard and stuff like that.

"I think he's a bit more laid back than he was at United. He tends to make quite a few jokes and messes around as well which is good for the team spirit. He's been great since I've been here and hopefully we can win more trophies now with him here."

Bale is expected to be among the starters for Real next weekend when they face city rivals Atletico Madrid in the Champions League final, searching for an 11th European Cup success in the San Siro showdown.

Cristiano Ronaldo celebrates scoring his first during the La Liga game between Deportivo La Coruna and Real Madrid on May 14, 2016
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CBarcelona382945112298391
2Real Madrid382864110347690
3Atletico MadridAtletico38284663184588
4Villarreal381810104435964
5Athletic Bilbao381881258451362
6Celta Vigo38179125159-860
7Sevilla381410145150152
8Malaga381212143835348
9Real Sociedad38139164548-348
10Real Betis381112153452-1845
11Las PalmasLas Palmas38128184553-844
12Valencia381111164648-244
13Espanyol38127194074-3443
14EibarEibar381110174961-1243
15Deportivo La CorunaDeportivo38818124561-1642
16Granada38109194669-2339
17Sporting GijonSporting Gijon38109194062-2239
RRayo Vallecano38911185273-2138
RGetafe3899203767-3036
RLevante3888223770-3332