Real Madrid attacker Gareth Bale was delighted with his hat-trick for their Club World Cup triumph over Kashima Antlers.

Real won the semifinal 3-1.

Bale stated: “I think the most important thing today was to win. We knew it would be a tricky game against a tough team. It was great to core three goals but the vital thing for me is to get my team into the final. We have the chance to win another trophy and now I'm just feeling glad to be in the final.

"We are going to start preparations tomorrow. It's a trophy that I personally want to win, and it means a great deal to the club. We all work hard to become champions".

Bale also had a message for his critics: "I don't have to answer to anyone, I just play my football and do my best for the team. I've played down the left, down the right and through the middle throughout my career. I'm comfortable wherever the coach sees fit. It was a tough game, but when all is said and done, we made it to the final."