Real Madrid new coach, Julen Lopetegui has revealed that forward, Gareth Bale can help fill the void left by Portugal captain, Cristiano Ronaldo at the Santiago Bernabeu.
Ronaldo left the reigning Champions League holders as their all-time highest goalscorer to join Juventus in a £99million switch earlier this summer.
But Lopetegui believes Bale, who was named man of the match after scoring twice in Real Madrid’s Champions League final victory over Liverpool in May, was a magnificent player with many qualities and can make the Spanish giants forget about Ronaldo.
Speaking at a news conference in Miami, USA ahead of Real Madrid’s fixtures against Manchester United in the International Champions Cup on Wednesday, Lopetegui said: “When I signed for Madrid him (Cristiano Ronaldo) still belonged to this club but shortly after he said he wanted to leave and his departure was made.
“Cristiano Ronaldo is one of the most important players in the recent history of Real Madrid and the legacy he leaves is extraordinary, but the greatness of the club is above everything and everyone.
“As a coach, the challenge of reinventing the team after the departure of a player like Cristiano is very nice.
“We are convinced that Gareth Bale is going to give us his best version this season. He is delighted to stay at Real Madrid.
“Bale is a magnificent player, with so many qualities. He can help fill the void.”
Lopetegui added, “Bale had worked extremely well with Benzema in training. If this is the squad I have at the start of the season, I will be a happy man.”
Comments