Gareth Bale has been surprised by the effect of the warm welcome he has received since returning to Tottenham, according to the Guardian.
The Welshman re-joined Spurs on a season-long loan from Real Madrid last month and could make his second debut for the club against West Ham United on Sunday.
And the Guardian claims Bale is already a much happier player than he was during his final few turbulent months in Spain.
The story says Bale ‘did not fully realise the effect that walking back into a warm and welcoming environment would have on him’.
A falling out with Real manager Zinedine Zidane meant Bale’s game time was severely reduced last season, leading to suggestions the 31-year-old was unhappy at the Bernabeu.
But it seems Bale is now set to play with a smile on his face once again having returned to the club where he became an icon.
It will be interesting to see if he will be in the starting line-up or among the substitutes on Sunday – we think he will be on the bench.
The last time Bale faced West Ham he scored one of his very best goals in a Tottenham shirt. Watch it below.
One of us. Grew up with us Spurs. Always wit us Spurs. Welcome back Bale.
Always a spot for you. Fan from Malaysia 30 years of Spurs.
One for all….All for one.
Come On Ye Spurs.