Gareth Bale is finally in the limelight at Real Madrid.

The Welsh winger - who has started the last two Champions League finals on the bench - remains the club's record signing after joining for £85m from Tottenham in 2013.

But, at the age of 29, Bale finally appears to be the star man at the Santiago Bernabeu.

That's because Cristiano Ronaldo signed for Juventus after Real Madrid accepted an €105m offer this summer.

Bale is thriving in Ronaldo's absence and has already scored three goals and assisted two more in La Liga.

Real Madrid's two most expensive signings played together for five seasons but never managed to form a close relationship.

And Bale's latest comments suggests he's pretty glad Ronaldo left.

Bale on Ronaldo in 2018

The 33-year-old Portuguese forward is Real Madrid's all-time leading goalscorer - and Bale has revealed exactly how his departure has affected the club.

"Obviously it's going to be a little different from having such a big player there," said Bale to the Daily Mail.

"It's maybe a bit more relaxed, yes. I suppose there is more of a team, more working as one unit rather than one player."

Well, he doesn't appear to be very unhappy about Ronaldo leaving.

Bale on Ronaldo in 2014

Bale's latest comments differ greatly from what he has previously said about Ronaldo.

"Ronaldo is a great team-mate and friend," said Bale to Marca in 2014. "He always gives me a lot of advice and helps me a lot.

"He was my idol before and is even more so now."

Bale's opinion on Ronaldo - at least publicly - has changed drastically over the last few years.

It's unlikely that Bale would describe his former teammate as his "idol" today.

Can the Welsh winger lead Real Madrid to more success in the Champions League? Let us know what you think by leaving a comment below.