Casemiro insists Bale 'got along very well with everyone' in the Real Madrid

Real Madrid midfielder Casemiro has insisted Gareth Bale 'got along very well with everyone' and dismissed suggestions he was an outcast in the dressing room.

Bale departed Madrid on loan this summer to return to Tottenham and there were multiple reports over his relationship with the rest of the squad in Spain.

But Casemiro has come to the defence of the Wales international and said he is in 'the top five in the world without a doubt'.

'He got along very well with everyone,' Casemiro told Movistar Plus' programme 'Vamos'.

'When he plays, if he's focused, he's one of the best in the world, top five without a doubt.

'It's a pleasure for me to have shared the dressing room with someone like him. I hope it goes well at this stage at Tottenham.

'I thank you for the 'chirlos' [screamers] you scored in the finals. When I think of Gareth, I remember those good times.'

The Welshman produced some major moments for Real Madrid, scoring in multiple Champions League finals, including a stunning overhead kick to seal the 2018 final against Jurgen Klopp's Liverpool.

He departed Spain this summer having won a total of 13 trophies in seven years.

Luka Modric, who plays alongside Casemiro in Real Madrid's midfield, echoed the sentiments that Bale was far from a pariah in the dressing room.

'I have been here with Bale for a long time,' Modric told El Partidazo del Cope.

'He's a spectacular, shy guy. The press are judging him for his recent years, but you have to remember him for everything he has given.

'He has not had any problems in the dressing room. He spoke Spanish with us. People quickly forget what Bale has done. Gareth didn't socialise much, but in the dressing room he was fine. I'm sorry many forgot what he has done.'

Bale is yet to feature for Jose Mourinho's side since his arrival but it seems he is edging closer to making his second Spurs debut.

Bale has been suffering with a knee injury sustained while playing for Wales last month, meaning his highly-anticipated Tottenham return was delayed.

Spurs face London rivals West Ham next in the Premier League on Sunday afternoon and Bale could feature.