Athlete

When Bale first started at Tottenham, they were struggling to win whenever he played at left-back, but it is unbelievable how quickly things can change in football.

When you're playing, it's important to focus 100 per cent on what you're doing.

I like to be involved as much as I can in the game, and in the middle, you're definitely the heartbeat of the team. When you're on the right, you can go minutes without seeing the ball, and that's a long time when you're out on the pitch.

I'm a very motivated guy.

In all ways, I want to be better in all of these things that top midfielders can do.

As a midfielder, you have to have vision. If you see an opening that might create an opportunity, you have to believe in yourself and go for it; a 40-yard pass or an eye-of-the-needle ball. You have to feel you are going to make it. That's the way I play. I have a picture in my mind, and I go for it.

At the beginning of the season, you're still getting your fitness levels up, and those first few games are quite tough.

All I want to do is play football.

I am not the life and soul of the camp, but I do speak a lot throughout the team and to everyone.

The Premier League used to be two teams going for the title, but it has come on a long way since then.

I'm happy to be in the centre for Wales - that's my favourite position and where I play my best football.

I know my qualities.

I've said it once: I would love to someday play in La Liga at one of the greats. I see their league each week. It suits my style.

You have to take each game as it comes and not get ahead of yourself.

You have to give 100 percent in the Champions League, as you're up against the biggest teams.

Having the chance to win a gold medal doesn't come around very often.

To win the FA Cup - scoring the winner in the 2014 FA Cup was very nice.

I think a top-class midfielder needs to be able to tackle, get up and down the pitch, pass, create opportunities, and score goals. That's why I try to do everything; that's what I judge my game on.

The only way you can get match fitness is by playing games.

I grew up watching the Olympics and did some athletics for my school, winning the Welsh pentathlon championship.