Gareth Bale: Real Madrid forward not planning England return
Real Madrid forward Gareth Bale says he is not thinking about a return to the Premier League.
The Wales international, 26, played in Real's 4-0 home defeat by Barcelona in El Clasico on Saturday.
Bale has scored 30 goals in 65 La Liga games since his world record £85m move from Tottenham in 2013, but has not netted for his club since August.
"My plan when I first started playing was to try to reach the pinnacle - and Real is the pinnacle," he said.
"I am enjoying my time here. Now I'm here, I want to win trophies and to win titles, and just do the best I can for my career.
"I will never say never when it comes to going back to the Premier League, because you don't know what the future holds."
Bale, who has continually been linked with Manchester United, was given a 4.5 out of 10 rating by Spanish newspaper Marca, although this still made him one of their highest rated players against Barca.
Former England and Tottenham winger Chris Waddle, BSports Radio 5 live's summariser on the game, gave him 6 out of 10 in his ratings.
Bale, who began his club career at left-back with Southampton, has been playing centrally this season, although he started on the right in El Clasico.
"I had conversations with Rafa [Benitez, the Real Madrid manager] in the summer and I am delighted about where I am going to be playing this season," he explained.
"I like the role behind the striker and feel that's my position. I can drift into areas, find the space and, when I get the ball, attack. It's my best position - and I think this year is going to be a great season."
from El Clasico
- Report: Suarez scores twice in rout
- Chris Waddle's player ratings from the Bernabeu
- Reaction: Real need to get over thrashing - Benitez
- Reaction: Historic night for Barca - Enrique
