Gareth Bale shrugs off Manchester United rumours after friendly defeat

Real Madrid forward Gareth Bale says he is looking forward to winning the Champions League for a third straight year after Manchester United ended talk of launching a bid for him.

Red Devils boss Jose Mourinho said before United's friendly against Real that there was little point to pursuing Bale, who has publicly stated a desire to stay in Madrid.

Bale led Real's attack against United in Santa Clara, with the European champions losing out on penalties after a 1-1 draw.

Asked about Mourinho's remarks, Bale told Sky Sports: "There you go – I haven't said anything."

The Wales international said he remained hungry for success despite already having won three Champions League titles since joining Real from Tottenham in 2013.

"We go into every competition looking to win it and it's no different again this year," he said.

"We have got the motivation to do that and will be trying our hardest to win every competition we enter."

Bale said the friendly against United was a good workout for his team and revealed that he wished Manchester United striker Romelu Lukaku good luck at his new club after the match ended.

"Obviously, the first game in pre-season for us. It is just about getting the cobwebs out, getting some game time into us," he said. "We would have loved to win but that's the way it goes.

"[Lukaku has] just signed so I just wished him good luck for the season," Bale added.

"He's done very well in the Premier League and I am sure he will do great for them."

Mourinho said over the weekend that a move for Bale would be "mission impossible" – similar to a pursuit of the Welshman's club mate Cristiano Ronaldo.

"No [he was not on my list of targets]. No, because you have contacts, you have feelings, you understand things," the United boss was quoted as saying by the Independent.

"I think it was clear that Bale likes Madrid, likes the challenge, likes the situation. He's in a club in a very good situation now."