Gareth Bale became the world's most expensive player back in 2013 when he left Tottenham Hotspur for Real Madrid for £85 million.

The Welshman, however, hasn't had the easiest time in Spain, often being singled out for criticism by the Madrid fans and the Spanish media.

Bale is in his sixth season with the club and scored his 100th goal for Los Blancos in a 3-1 win over arch-rivals Atletico Madrid.

The initial tension was between Bale and former star man Cristiano Ronaldo, the Portuguese appeared disinterested when the former Spurs midfielder scored, leading to reports that there was some unhealthy competition between the two.

Ronaldo has now left for pastures new, but Bale's struggles have continued, whether it be his plethora of injuries or his patchy form when he has been fit.

Although according to current Real Madrid number one, Thibaut Courtois, there is another reason why Bale has been perceived as an outsider in Spain.

“It is very hard to describe Gareth in one word," Courtois told Belgian newspaper HLN.



“I would say he has so much talent, but that it is such a shame that so often that talent is blocked from shining.”



He added: “I live like somebody who is born and bred in Madrid.



“I eat late, I go bed late...it is their way of life."

It seems that a late night Spanish supper is something of a regular occurrence for the Madrid squad, in what is sure to maintain squad morale.

But Bale has struggled to become a night owl in what still appears to be very much foreign surroundings for the Welshman.

“The other night we had a dinner with the entire squad," Courtois added.

“But Bale and (Toni) Kroos did not turn up. They reckoned the dinner was too late at night.



“We had arranged to be in the restaurant at 9.30pm and we started out meal around 10.15pm and by midnight we were having coffee.



“We go to bed at around 1am. We have to train every morning at 11am. I think that is a perfect time.



“But Bale had told us 'I am not coming to join you, guys. I go to bed at 11'.”

Bale is at risk of isolating himself from the squad completely if he isn't careful.

It could explain however, why many foreigners who come over to England to play the beautiful game struggle though.

As there is nothing more difficult than adapting to a change of culture and your surroundings.