Bale’s mother hails Ronaldo

Cristiano Ronaldo has been key to Gareth Bale’s success following his record £86m move to Real Madrid, according to the Welshman’s mother.

Debbie Bale was worried when her home-loving son Gareth, 24, moved to Spain three months ago, but has now revealed the team’s biggest star Ronaldo has helped her son move to the world’s richest club.

Debbie, 50, said, Ronaldo has been absolutely brilliant – he’s helped him settle in. When you feel good you start to play well – he’s living the dream.”

Bale has been unstoppable in recent weeks, after an injury-blighted start to life in La Liga, threatened to overshadow his record £86m transfer.

He has scored nine goals in 11 appearances, including a hat trick in his last match for Real in the 4-0 victory over Valladolid. His mum also revealed his former Tottenham Hotspur teammate Luka Modric has helped him settle in.

Legal secretary Debbie spoke about her son’s welcome in Spain at the BBC Wales Sports Personality of the Year show in Cardiff.

Bale was nominated for the award which was won by Wales and British Lion star Leigh Halfpenny.

Debbie and her retired school caretaker husband Frank, 54, still live in the former council house in Whitchurch, Cardiff, where Gareth grew up.

But the pair regularly fly to Spain with budget airline Easyjet to see their son play his home matches.

Mum-of-two Debbie told of her pride at seeing Gareth unveiled as a Real Madrid player in September.

She said, “It was fabulous, all the family was there – it was like a dream.”