Madrid, Oct 23 (IANS): New signing Gareth Bale needs to be supported and not pressurised, Real Madrid striker Cristiano Ronaldo said ahead of their Champions League clash at home to Juventus Wednesday night.

Bale has struggled for fitness since his record signing from Tottenham Hotspurs at the end of the summer, but Ronaldo believes that all the Welshman needs is time, reports Xinhua.

"Bale is doing well," he said. "He has had problems since his arrival, as he didn't have a pre-season and he has been injured, but if you speak to him, he is very excited to be in the team, but he needs to be left on his own and to not be pressured."

"He is a great kid and he always wants to learn," added Ronaldo

"He is under a lot of pressure because of what he cost, but I don't think that is good for him. We have to try to help him, because I am totally certain he will be good for the team."

Ronaldo was also asked about Iker Casillas who commented last week that if his situation of being substitute in the league didn't change in the next three months, he would think about leaving the club.

"Everyone has his opinion. I have mine, but I am not going to say it here as I don't want any problems. As the coach (Carlo Ancelotti) says, Iker is important in the club and I agree with that," he commented.