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Bale ready to shine for Madrid on Cardiff return

Real Madrid CF's Gareth Bale explains why it is "great to be back" in Cardiff and why he is in even better shape ahead of the UEFA Super Cup against Sevilla FC.

Gareth Bale speaks to the assembled media in Cardiff on Monday evening
Gareth Bale speaks to the assembled media in Cardiff on Monday evening ©Getty Images

• Gareth Bale in Cardiff for Real Madrid CF's UEFA Super Cup meeting with Sevilla FC

• Bale scored in the UEFA Champions League and Copa del Rey final wins last term

• He feels "in better shape" than 12 months ago after a full pre-season under his belt

The Cardiff City Stadium is sold out for his homecoming

Bale on playing in Cardiff ...
"It is great to be back home, [but] the most important thing is for us to win the game – we've been preparing for this and it is a title we want to win. We need to focus on that and not so much on me playing in my home town, but working hard as a team and hopefully winning the trophy.

On his increasingly powerful physique ...
"I haven't done anything [extra] to be honest. I've done a bit of training in the off-season on my own, a bit of running but nothing in the gym or anything like that – just pure condition training. l have worked hard in the off-season and pre-season and just feel in good shape.

On the prospect of scoring in another final ...
"It was a great season winning the trophies [but] I think the important thing tomorrow is that we win, no matter who plays and who scores the winning goal.

On entering his second campaign in Spain ...
"I suppose it is nice not being new and to be able to start the season settled in and with a good pre-season. For us we want to win every trophy we are in for; no matter what team we are playing or what trophy, we want to win everything. We will be trying our best to win the Champions League and everything this year.

On the benefits of a full pre-season …
"It is a lot easier having a pre-season under your belt than being sat at home waiting for a transfer to go through. I feel in better shape this year and feel I can start the season at a better tempo; I am looking forward to the season ahead and feel in great shape. I don't feel pressure of being here at home, it is another game and have to put 110% in to try and perform at my best."

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