Zinedine Zidane is worried about Gareth Bale - because the Welsh star could be even better for Real Madrid than he was.
The French legend, now Carlo Ancelotti's assistant coach at the Bernabeu and the club's Sporting Director, revealed the reason behind Real's pursuit of the former Tottenham player and splashing out a world record £86million fee.
And after an injury-hampered start, Bale has hit his stride for the Spanish giants, netting a hat-trick in Saturday's clash with Real Valladolid - taking his tally to nine goals in 13 appearances.
On the ball: But will Gareth Bale hit the heights at Real Madrid that Zinedine Zidane reached?
Beaming: Bale netted a hat-trick in Real's 4-0 demolition of Real Valladolid on Saturday
'Nobody at Real Madrid was ever worried about the form of Gareth
(Bale) we knew exactly what the quality of player was that we had
brought,' said Zidane.
'The only worry I have about him now is that he goes on to be a better player for Real Madrid than I was!
'He is the complete attacking player - he can score, he has pace, he can create, and has we have seen he is a specialist from set pieces.
'We (Real Madrid) knew all this though - that is why we spent so much effort making sure he was a Real Madrid player this summer.
Waiting in the shadows: Zidane is now assistant coach to Carlo Ancelotti at Real Madrid
In action: Bale (left, challenging Valladolid's Javi Guerra) was hailed as a player who can do anything
'I think he can still get even better - and he knows my door is
always open to him when he needs advice - and I look forward to being
part of his development - as he has everything to become the best player
in the world.'
Bale still has some way to go to reach Zidane's place in Real Madrid folklore.
After a £60million move from Juventus in 2001, Zidane lit up the Bernabeu, winning the La Liga title and the Champions League on his way to netting 37 times over 155 appearances.
Legend: Zidane lit up Real Madrid from 2001 to 2006, netting 37 goals for the Spanish giants
The French legend, now Carlo Ancelotti's assistant coach at the Bernabeu and the club's Sporting Director, revealed the reason behind Real's pursuit of the former Tottenham player and splashing out a world record £86million fee.
And after an injury-hampered start, Bale has hit his stride for the Spanish giants, netting a hat-trick in Saturday's clash with Real Valladolid - taking his tally to nine goals in 13 appearances.
On the ball: But will Gareth Bale hit the heights at Real Madrid that Zinedine Zidane reached?
Beaming: Bale netted a hat-trick in Real's 4-0 demolition of Real Valladolid on Saturday
'The only worry I have about him now is that he goes on to be a better player for Real Madrid than I was!
'He is the complete attacking player - he can score, he has pace, he can create, and has we have seen he is a specialist from set pieces.
'We (Real Madrid) knew all this though - that is why we spent so much effort making sure he was a Real Madrid player this summer.
Waiting in the shadows: Zidane is now assistant coach to Carlo Ancelotti at Real Madrid
In action: Bale (left, challenging Valladolid's Javi Guerra) was hailed as a player who can do anything
Bale still has some way to go to reach Zidane's place in Real Madrid folklore.
After a £60million move from Juventus in 2001, Zidane lit up the Bernabeu, winning the La Liga title and the Champions League on his way to netting 37 times over 155 appearances.
Legend: Zidane lit up Real Madrid from 2001 to 2006, netting 37 goals for the Spanish giants
