Exclusive – Real Madrid is the best place for Gareth Bale, insists Paul Clement

Gareth Bale will be doing the right thing by staying at Real Madrid this summer, according to Paul Clement.

Long-term admirers Manchester United have again been linked with a move for the Welsh winger following reports the player is unhappy in Spain having failed to fit in with his team-mates.

But Clement, who spent the last two seasons with the ex-Tottenham star at the Bernabeu, has rubbished claims he hasn’t acclimatised to life in the Spanish capital, and insists it’s the best place for the player to be.

“It’s a good thing that Gareth Bale is staying at Real Madrid. It’s a wonderful club and he’s a wonderful player," he told the Alan Brazil Sports Breakfast.

“You don’t get many British players moving abroad and being successful. He had a wonderful first year in Madrid. He scored a goal in the Champions League final and he got the Copa del Rey winner.

“Maybe he wasn’t up to those standards in the second year but there is no reason why he can’t move forward and be a big part of that club’s future and be a big success.

“He’s quiet and he’s shy but each player has his own individual personality and sometimes it’s not even due to the language. Some are more on the front foot and have more leadership qualities. He is quieter, he likes to just get on with his work but he was well liked by the staff and by his team-mates.”