'I'm actually getting to play golf now!' - Gareth Bale aims dig at Real Madrid critics as Tottenham legend reveals he's 'loving' retirement

Bale retired in 2023 after his time with LAFC, and a glittering, storied career that saw him develop into one of the best wingers in world football. He won the Champions League no fewer than five times, and also won La Liga three times during his time at Real Madrid. However, his time in Spain was plagued by claims he preferred playing golf to playing for Los Blancos. Rory McIlroy has claimed before that the Welshman can reach a scratch handicap of zero.

Bale returned to Anfield as a pundit to analyse Liverpool's clash with Real, having scored a stunning bicycle kick against the Reds in the 2018 final, as Los Blancos won Europe's premier club competition. And he has claimed that he is loving his time away from football.

Bale told TNT Sports: "I'm loving it! I'm actually getting to play golf now instead of people writing about it! It's been fun to spend time with my kids, because when you're playing, you're constantly travelling, playing, preparing, tired, sleeping in different rooms. So just being there for them, really, and having some family time."

Real will aim to underline their Champions League-winning credentials with a win over Arne Slot's side, who are currently top of the Premier League.