It’s not every player who marks his first real training session as a Real Madrid player but nutmegging Cristiano Ronaldo.
But that’s just what Gareth Bale did.
By all accounts a shy and unassuming guy, Bale chose to introduce himself to his new buddies at Los Blancos with a cheeky message to the player he had only just referred to as the “boss” of the Bernabeu.
Even better, the world’s most expensive player then announced himself to the Real faithful by scoring a goal on debut.
His strike against Villarreal last weekend may not have been his best, but it showed Real his athleticism, commitment and desire to prove what the fuss was all about.
And Bale certainly seems to have made a good impression behind the scenes at the Bernabeu.
Defender Sergio Ramos, who skippers the team while Iker Casillas kicks his heels on the substitute’s bench, says Bale has been impressive since his arrival.
Ramos admits that hardly any of Real’s players knew much about the Welshman, but after training alongside him and seeing him in action, they certainly know him now.
“The truth is because he (Bale) did not play for a team in England that played in the Champions League, we did not know that much about him,” Ramos said about Bale.
“We know if the coach wanted him that strongly he must be a good player, but nobody was prepared for how special he is. We are glad now that he is with us.
“It has only been a few training sessions we have seen him in, but some of what we see we can’t believe.
“He is so fast, so tricky, and the frightening thing is that he is not even 100 per cent game fit yet.”