Gareth Bale said he received quite a warm welcome from Real Madrid's array of superstars, particularly Cristiano Ronaldo, on his first day of training with his new club.
Bale completed a world record transfer from Tottenham to Real on deadline day, September 2, and has had to wait until Wednesday to meet up with his new teammates.
Speaking at the launch of Real Madrid's third kit, Bale said he had pretty much the perfect first day at Real.
"It was amazing," he said. "He (Ronaldo) is a nice guy, and he made me feel welcome just like everyone else. I am just looking forward to getting on the pitch and doing well."
That particular aspect is still shrouded in doubt with Bale only enjoying 31 minutes of competitive action this season, when he came on as a substitute for Wales in their World Cup qualifier against Serbia on Tuesday.
Bale, though, is hopeful of a start at Villarreal on Saturday. "I feel good," he said. "I have been training in the last week with Wales. I have had two good sessions today and I got half an hour with Wales on Tuesday.
"Obviously I am a bit behind everyone else physically, but I am hopeful I can catch up as soon as possible.
"I think you will have to wait until the match to see whether I am picked or not. Hopefully I can get my fitness up straight away and hopefully get a place in the team."
Meanwhile, Barcelona defender Gerard Pique warned Bale he might find it difficult to cope with the pressure that come with playing at a club like Real.
"You never know how he will adapt to a dressing-room like Madrid's with a lot of stars like Cristiano and (Karim) Benzema," he told Sky Sports Football Club.
"I hope he can play well, but we will see. The first month will be more difficult, then it will be a bit more relaxed.
"Real Madrid is such an immense team -- a big, big club. Everyone wants to know something about the players, about Bale too.
"When you're playing for a great team like Madrid, with a lot of pressure because you have to win every game, it's a difficult life."
