Real Madrid winger Gareth Bale has suggested that he wanted to show he has "character" by remaining at the Bernabeu for a further six years.

During the summer, Bale was linked with a return to the Premier League with Manchester United but on Sunday, Real announced that the Welshman had committed his future to the La Liga giants until 2022.

Bale has acknowledged that he has enjoyed the best moments of his career in the Spanish capital and at a news conference on Monday, he admitted that he was driven to win more trophies, both domestically and in Europe.

The 27-year-old told reporters: "Winning the Champions League is the pinnacle, it has that special feeling here. Those moments were incredible for me.

"The most important thing is how you react when things are difficult. It is easy to pack up leave and go elsewhere but it takes more character to stay here and fight. I will always fight for this club."

Bale has been with Real since September 2013 after making the £85m switch from Tottenham Hotspur.