GARETH BALE became the world’s costliest player when he signed for Real Madrid in 2013.
But despite his £86million price tag, the ex-Spurs star was never going to match Cristiano Ronaldo and become the world’s GREATEST player.
That is the verdict of former Real president Ramon Calderon, who helped engineer Ronaldo’s £80m move to the Bernabeu in 2009.
Ron, 33, has won five Ballon d’Or gongs as the world’s best player, while also inspiring Los Blancos to three Champions League titles and two La Liga crowns in a glittering nine-year spell.
And while Bale also featured in that trio of European Cup successes, the Welshman has had to play second fiddle to the Portuguese maestro.
Calderon said: “Bale had a difficult signing to come through.
“It’s very difficult to surpass Ronaldo, who trains every day to be better than the day before.
“With his abilities as a player, Ronaldo is the best ever. Having ability isn’t enough, you must work and have endeavour and commitment.”
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Bale, 28, is pressing to start tonight’s Champions League final against Liverpool in Kiev having scored five goals in the last four La Liga matches.
And despite doubts over his future, there is every chance the Manchester United target could remain in the Spanish capital, with his mammoth £650,000-a-week wages putting clubs off.
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Calderon added: “Bale is a great player, he wants to carry on.
“It’s another thing if he’s not happy but I think that’s not the case.
“I think he’s played great games, especially in the Champions League and the Copa del Rey. I think he’ll stay.”
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