Liverpool legend Ian Rush believes Bale needs to learn Spanish

Gareth Bale (L) and Cristiano Ronaldo of Real Madrid shake hands before a training session at Valdebebas training ground on September 11, 2013 in Madrid, Spain.

Ian Rush, the former Welsh international, believes that Real Madrid’s latest world record acquisition Gareth Bale has to find a way to keep himself upbeat off the pitch and learning Spanish will only make the job more easier in Spain.

The Liverpool legend who found himself in similar circumstances when he left Liverpool for the Italian Club Juventus in 1987, gave some hindsight to his fellow countryman Bale on how to adapt in a new atmosphere.

Speaking to the Daily Mirror, Rush said: “The most important thing about making the move abroad is being happy off the pitch. If you’re not happy off the pitch, you won’t perform on it.

“Also you have to learn the language. That will definitely be needed. It took me six months to learn that.

“When you’re a player you think that the football is all that matters. But small things like not knowing the language do affect your performance on the pitch.”

Rush also believes that the 24-year-old will take some time to get used to his new playing style, as he does not have the minutes behind him.

He added: “The bigger issue for Gareth on the pitch is his fitness. He hasn’t played for a bit and you do need at least four games to get match fitness. You can make mistakes playing for Wales and get away with it. You won’t get away with it playing for Madrid.”