Gareth Bale expects "exciting" Champions League semifinal between Real Madrid and Manchester City

One of the best Premier League players in recent memory is back in England, and he is looking forward to playing there again.

Real Madrid winger Gareth Bale spoke to the press ahead of Tuesday's Champions League semifinal against Manchester City, and he spoke about playing in England again after a short yet fantastic career in the Premier League, as well as facing the Citizens at Etihad Stadium.

Bale is expecting a great match against a great opponent, and wants not only to win, but also entertain football fans in what he describes as an exciting encounter.

"It's great to be back in England. I certainly don't miss the cold weather! I'm really excited for the game tomorrow. We know it will be difficult, but we are getting prepared. It will be exciting game for everyone to watch.

"We are feeling confident at the moment. We were not great in Wolfsburg [in the quarter-finals], but we have learnt from this and corrected some things. Tomorrow we want to play our own game and impose ourselves on the opposition. We are confident and will be trying to win. Obviously we want to stamp our authority on the game. We are looking forward to it. The first leg is always tense and even cagey. It will be great to score goals and have a great performance. We will give 100% and hopefully that will be enough.

"I am surprised that City haven't got here [semi-final stage of the UEFA Champions League] earlier. They have progressed well. They are a force in the Premier League and now this is starting in Europe. They have done very well so far, but hopefully now we can stop them.

"No matter who we faced in this round it was going to be a difficult game. It's another big game on the road to hopefully winning a trophy. Let’s enjoy it and win the game."

Source: UEFA.com