Gareth Bale plays for one of the richest clubs in the world... so, why is the Real Madrid star playing with holes in his socks?
- Gareth Bale returned to the Real Madrid team for the win over Celta Vigo
- The Wales star has suffered with different calf injuries this season
- Bale's strategy to cut holes in his socks could have psychological benefits
Gareth Bale may be playing for one of the richest clubs in the world but the Real Madrid star has been taking to the Bernabeu pitch with holes in his socks.
However, the Spanish giants have not cut back on new kit, nor is it the latest bizarre footballing fashion craze.
Instead, the Wales star has taken to strategically cutting his socks as he bids to find a solution to the injuries that have hindered his season so far.
Gareth Bale has cut holes in his socks to relieve pressure on his calves which have caused him problems
Bale has struggled with three separate calf injuries and so cut holes in his socks in a bid to solve the problems
Bale returned to the Real team for the win over Celta Vigo and was seen with holes in the back of his socks
Bale has been wearing short socks during training as he bids to solve the injuries that have hit his season
Real Madrid players pose for a group photo during a training session ahead of their match against Roma
Bale has missed nearly two months of the season with calf problems and has taken the decision to play with holes in his socks to relive pressure on the injured area.
The 26-year-old returned to action for Real against Celta Vigo on Saturday from the bench and was seen with two large gaps halfway up his white Madrid socks.
Bale has injured his left calf twice and his right calf once and will be hoping his new plan does the trick to keep him fit.
Away from the pitch, Bale wears compression ankle socks to keep the injured area free from any pressure during training.
Bale missed nearly two months of the season with injury problems and looked happy to be back in training
Bale lunges forward to challenge Real team-mate Casemiro during Monday's training session in Madrid
Bale had a huge grin on his face as Real Madrid prepared for Tuesday's Champions League clash with Roma
The Wales international attempts to get the better of Real Madrid left back Marcelo during the training session
Bale proves his fitness as he leaps through training equipment closely followed by defender Alvaro Arbeloa
While it is yet to be seen whether the approach will fix the problem, some claim the cutting of the sock could have psychological benefits for the former Tottenham talisman.
Speaking to Real Madrid TV after his side's convincing 7-1 victory, Bale said on his return: 'It's been a frustrating time in the last five or six weeks, so it's great to be back on the pitch and to get a goal, but the most important thing is we got the three points to build confidence ahead of Tuesday.'
Bale posted an image of himself running on an anti-gravity treadmill five weeks ago as he stepped up his recovery.
Bale posted an image of himself on an anti-gravity treadmill as he stepped up his recovery five weeks ago
Looking ahead to Real's Champions League clash against Roma in Tuesday, Bale added: 'I've only just come back into training the last four or five days. It's important that we plan everything perfectly and we try and peak with our physical fitness for the games.'
Real manager Zinedine Zidane will be pleased to welcome Bale back. Depsite Saturday's demolition of Celta, Los Blancos trail La Liga leaders Barcelona by 12 points.
Asked about Bale's approach to helping his recovery by cutting holes in his socks, Zidane replied: 'That's something of his. He's ready to play, that's the most important thing.'
Last playing against Sporting Gijon midway through January, Bale has scored 16 goals in 22 appearances for the side from the Spanish capital this season.
Real Madrid currently sit 12 points behind La Liga leaders Barcelona having lost four and drawn six matches
- Crazy: Man uses rocket launcher to remove his socks
- Floyd Mayweather and Rmarni Eliss hit the club in Miami
- Incredible drone footage shows daredevils jump off cliff
- Dortmund players and fans in fitting tribute to dead fan
- Claudio Ranieri claims he hasn't looked at the league table
- Deflated Arsene Wenger reacts to Arsenal's FA Cup exit
- Olympic skier Lindsey Vonn shows off her intensive workout
- Rafa Benitez insists he can keep Newcastle up despite defeat
- Marko Arnautovic has a kick about in garden with his brother
- Hilarious moment Kompany blasts the ball on Aguero's face
- Shocking footage of Jews in Auschwitz concentration camp
- Leicester manager urges team to remain calm as they top...
- Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Maxwell: football’s greatest...
- Arsene Wenger could walk if Arsenal fans continue to...
- Man City 0-0 Dynamo Kiev (3-1 agg) UEFA Champions League...
- Floyd Mayweather enjoys night out in Miami with New Look...
- Manchester United should sign Paul Pogba, Luka Modric and...
- Leicester 1-0 Newcastle: Shinji Okazaki's acrobatic strike...
- Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger could be managing his last game...
- Barcelona star Dani Alves: 'I'm no Lionel Messi but I am in...
- Arsenal and Manchester City are out of the title race......
- Conor McGregor takes some downtime with his girlfriend after...
- Radamel Falcao: Manchester United was complicated... they...
- Chris Evert shocked at Maria Sharapova positive test but...