Jose Mourinho launched a fierce defence of Gareth Bale's time at Real Madrid as he revealed the Wales star was close to finding his best form at Tottenham.
Bale rejoined Spurs on loan from Madrid during the transfer window but left Spain under a cloud despite a trophy-laden seven years in the Spanish capital.
Bale was targeted by Spanish media and fans for his love of golf and his language skills - but Mourinho insisted Bale had been 'incredible' and 'amazing' since his arrival.
'One thing is reputation, another thing is facts,' said Mourinho, who confirmed Bale would start Thursday's Europa League tie at Royal Antwerp. 'I would love to have his reputation and four Champions Leagues. I have only two. The facts with Gareth are that he made a difference at that club.
'When he arrived, they won four Champions Leagues in five seasons. He is working very hard. He is being quite a great example for everybody. A big player like him, travelled to Burnley on Monday, stayed on the bench for 90 minutes, didn't play one minute.
'His behaviour as a team guy is incredible. His behaviour as a Tottenham man is remarkable and he is coming [to his best level]. I can see just with my eyes but then the scientific data is also coming and he is working very, very well.
'He is improving, he is improving a lot and I think against Antwerp we can see Gareth at a good level and hopefully he can fly because he is working very hard.' The rising coronavirus infection rate across Europe is placing greater strain on UEFA, as well as individual clubs, to complete their competitions safely.
Mourinho acknowledged the 'risks' all clubs must take in order to make matches happen but he is confident that these fixtures will be fulfilled.
'I prefer to take a few risks, very controlled risks but play football and do my job and give people what they love, which is football,' he said. 'If people can't come to the stadium they have us at home and I just want to think positively about it.
'In the clubs the situation is much more controlled. Nobody is free from problems. But the bubble exists and we try as much as we can to be protected.
'We try to live our lives. The world cannot stop. Football is an important area so I am more than ready to keep doing what we are doing.'