Wales coach Ryan Giggs is backing Gareth Bale to revive his Real Madrid career.

Bale has been linked with Manchester United ahead of the summer market.

But Bale says: “Cristiano has left and there is a void there. That has a big effect on Real Madrid when you lose 40 to 50 goals.

“Gareth has always said he has been happy, even when he has been criticised and things have gone wrong or not gone right.

“You have to take that criticism when you are at a big club, whether it is just or not. Gareth has won four Champions Leagues there, but it has not always been smooth. He didn't start the Champions League Final, so that would be a big blow.

“Sometimes that can make you stronger though.

“When you are at Real Madrid, more than any club in the world, if you lose a few games someone is going to take the criticism and it looks like Gareth is taking it at the moment, no matter what he has done in the past.

“As a player you have to block it out. The cream always rises to the top."