The Wales international says the pair have never had a competitive relationship and admits he is in awe of his team-mate’s incredible strike rate

Gareth Bale has acknowledged that Cristiano Ronaldo is Real Madrid’s “main man” and was aware he would remain the club’s star player upon signing for the club.

The 25-year-old became the world’s most expensive player upon signing for Madrid for €100 million in the summer of 2013, breaking the record €80m the club spent to acquire Ronaldo from Manchester United.

At the time there were rumours the three-time Ballon d’Or winner was unhappy at the money spent on bringing Bale to the club and dethroning him as the game’s costliest footballer, but the Wales star says the pair have never been in competition.

“I never really had a chat with Ronaldo regarding any competitive needle. I knew coming here that Cristiano was the main man,” the Welshman told Sport Magazine.

“Ronaldo is an amazing player. Just look at his goals-per-game here. I respect him, so we’ve got on very well since I’ve been here, on and off the field.”

Bale then went on to praise head coach Carlo Ancelotti and revealed the Italian has a great relationship with all of his players, even if he is not afraid to have a go at his squad every now and then.

“Carlo is quite laidback. He gives us the confidence to go on to the pitch and express ourselves. But it’s the closeness and connection that he has with the players that’s really special – he makes footballers want to run themselves into the ground for him.

“We’ve had some games where we’ve been in the lead and we’ve almost given it away – and after the game, Carlo has given us a good rollocking.

“But every good manager needs that side to him – and he’s shown over the years what a great manager and what an amazing person he is.”

Source Goal