Gareth Bale promise to return stronger for Real Madrid after criticism from fans

Gareth Bale says he will return stronger for Real Madrid after receiving criticism from his own fans during their Champions League semi-final defeat by Juventus.

The 25-year-old Wales forward missed several opportunities as Juve set up a final against Barcelona.

"There have been some ups and downs but I think I've played well," he said.

"What doesn't kill me makes me stronger and I'll learn from this season and take it on."

Bale is the world's most expensive player after being signed in a £85.3m deal from Premier League side Tottenham in September 2013.

The ex-Southampton trainee scored 24 goals in 46 games during his debut season, helping Madrid win the Champions League and Copa del Rey.

But he has been jeered by some supporters this season, faced heavy criticism from sections of the Spanish press and was whistled by some fans during Real's 1-1 second leg draw with Italian champions Juventus, which saw Juve progress 3-2 on aggregate.

Bale, who has scored 15 goals in 45 matches this season, added on Sky Sports: "I've maybe not scored as many important chances as I'd like but my general play has been good. My finishing is not as good and that's something to work on for next year.

"We wanted to be in the Champions League final, we gave ourselves a chance of winning but it's not to be and we go again next year."

Credit: BBC Sport