Don’t pressure Bale too much, Ronaldo says
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E-mail Xinhua, October 23, 2013
Real Madrid striker Cristiano Ronaldo spoke to the press ahead of his side's Champions League clash at home to Juventus on Wednesday night.
Ronaldo answered questions on several issues surrounding the club, with the first of those about the form of Gareth Bale.
Bale has struggled for fitness since his record signing from Tottenham Hotspurs at the end of the summer, but Ronaldo believes that all the Welshman needs is time.
"Bale is doing well," he said. "He has had problems since his arrival, as he didn't have a pre-season and he has been injured, but if you speak to him, he is very excited to be in the team, but he needs to be left on his own and to not be pressured."
Bale's arrival had provoked doubts over whether or not Ronaldo could feel jealous at being out of the spotlight for the new arrival, but he had nothing but good words for the winger.
"He is a great kid and he always wants to learn," added Ronaldo, who had no doubts the two could be compatible on the pitch. "He is under a lot of pressure because of what he cost, but I don't think that is good for him. We have to try to help him, because I am totally certain he will be good for the team."
Ronaldo was also asked about Iker Casillas who commented last week that if his situation of being substitute in the league didn' t chance in the next three months, he would think about leaving the club.
"Everyone has his opinion. I have mine, but I am not going to say it here as I don't want any problems. As the coach (Carlo Ancelotti) says, Iker is important in the club and I agree with that," he commented.
Ronaldo was also questioned about recent declarations about former coach and fellow countryman, Jose Mourinho, who implied that he was more unpopular in Spain because he was Portuguese.
"I don't think there is racism. I feel very happy here and feel the affection of the people of Madrid and also, all be it to a lesser degree, from those from elsewhere. I don't sense racism and I like Spain and am very happy here," was his reply.
This week sees Madrid entertain Juventus on Wednesday before playing away to bitter rivals FC Barcelona in the Camp Nou Stadium on Saturday night in what is a massive week for the club.
"It won't be decisive, but it is very important," admitted the striker. "We are improving and that is the main thing, we have to win on Wednesday to go and play Barca with more confidence. We can win both games, but we have to be humble and we have to improve."
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