Cristiano Ronaldo "sent" Gareth Bale to a psychiatrist

The hostile environment Cristiano Ronaldo created at Real Madrid forced Gareth Bale to go and see a psychiatrist, according to the Daily Mail.

The Welshman's good start to the season has come thanks to Jamie Edwards, a former basketball player who helps sports stars prepare mentally. 

Neil Ashton wrote: "Perhaps that is why Bale was such a success again in his second season at the Bernabeu, learning to deal with the negative dressing room environment that had been created by Cristiano Ronaldo.

"The world player of the year turned on Bale when it became clear that the Wales flyer had failed to pick up the Spanish language to his own, exacting standards.

"On the pitch Bale’s performances, including his stunning goal against Barcelona in the Copa del Rey final and his strike in the Champions League final against Atletico Madrid in 2014, were threatening Ronaldo’s standing at the club.

"Ronaldo’s acolytes in the dressing room, such as the youngster Isco, also made life tough for Bale. That is when he turned to Edwards."

Joe Hart, of Manchester City, and Luke Shaw, of Manchester United, have also worked with the psychiatrist this season.