Gareth Bale
says he is feeling stronger than ever after a full summer of rest and
is ready to lead Real Madrid’s quest to win six trophies next season.
If
they are to pull off the grand slam they will have to become the first
team ever to retain the Champions League but Bale, who goes back to
Cardiff next month to compete for the first of those cups, believes
anything is possible after another summer of spending in the Spanish
capital.
Speaking
from Real Madrid’s training camp in California Bale said: 'We have six
trophies that we can win and we want to win all of them. It will be
special playing the Super Cup in Cardiff. That’s the first one we can
win but we will be fighting for everything.
Six of the best: Gareth Bale wants to help Real Madrid win every competition they enter next season
Centre of attention: Gareth Bale is mobbed by fans as he boards the Real Madrid bus in America
Confident: Gareth Bale is hoping to score more goals this season for Real Madrid
'It’s
exciting to start the season as the best team in Europe. I don’t know
if that will mean more pressure this season but we certainly have more
hunger than ever. We want to retain our Champions League.'
Asked
about the advantage of not having played in the World Cup he added: 'It
was disappointing not being in Brazil but I have had seven weeks of
rest and I can now have a full pre-season.
'I
want to have an even better season than last year: I want to give more
assists and score more goals; I want to improve in every aspect.'
Last
year as Bale’s transfer from Tottenham dragged on beyond the start of
the season and he was left playing catch-up with his fitness. There were
even doubts over whether he had been worth Real’s huge investment.
Stretch to it: Real Madrid's players are put through their paces during training in California
Pensive: Xabi Alonso appeared deep in thought during training with Real Madrid in America
Watching on: Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti looked on as his players trained
All smiles: Real Madrid president Florentino Perez (left), Rodriguez (right) and his wife Daniela at presentation
Arrival: Rodriguez poses with a ball during his presentation on the pitch at the Santiago Bernabeu
He
said: 'It was tough adapting without a pre-season but this season will
be different in that sense. It was a massive change for me but in time I
have become very comfortable here.'
This
year it is the turn of James Rodriguez to fit into his new
surroundings. Bale said: 'He showed what a great player he is at the
World Cup. Hopefully he can repeat that form for us next season.
'The
Spanish league is the most exciting at the moment. The best players are
playing here and Barça and Real Madrid are always fighting for the
Champions League. It’s an honour to play in this league.'
Real
Madrid will win six trophies if they retain the Champions League, win
the Copa del Rey and La Liga, and lift the World Club Cup, the Spanish
Super Cup and the European Super Cup to be played in Cardiff on August
12.
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