The writing was on the wall from the first day in training, writes Neil Moxley in the Sunday People.
Real Madrid’s star-studded squad were playing one-touch football with new boy Gareth Bale.
Amid rumours that his nose had been put out of joint by the size of Bale’s transfer fee , Cristiano Ronaldo welcomed his more expensive colleague to the Bernabeu with a nasty sliding tackle.
The significance was not lost on team-mates – you can hear their gasps and guffaws in the YouTube clip.
Later in that same session, Bale spins the ball through Ronaldo’s legs. The Welshman puts up both index fingers in a gesture that showed the score had evened itself out.
But nobody nutmegs Ronaldo – and the Portuguese superstar’s body language afterwards says it all.
And if you don’t draw that conclusion from watching the clip, the evidence this week that Bale continues to step on the toes of FIFA’s Ballon D’Or winner was there for all to see.
Gallery: Bale's first training session in Madrid - including THAT sliding tackle
Bale has been branded “a ballhog” by the Spanish press. He stood accused after failing to pass to Karim Benzema during the recent defeat at Valencia.
Last week, Ronaldo uttered a nasty phrase about his team-mate after Bale ignored him against Espanyol – although had the roles been reversed the Portuguese would surely have taken a shot at goal.
Having watched Bale – indeed having seen him make his international debut for Wales in a friendly against Trinidad and Tobago back in 2006 as a 16-year-old – there is absolutely no substance to him being in any way selfish.
When Bale was tearing his way past Maicon as Spurs played Inter Milan in 2010, he wasn’t doing it purely for himself. If you look carefully, particularly during his hat-trick in the San Siro, there wasn’t another Spurs player able to keep up.
Rumours have been circulating now for some time that Bale’s love affair with the Champions League holders is in danger of turning sour. Yet those who represent his interests have informed the press that he is happy and settled in Madrid. Furthermore, he continues to learn Spanish. The signs are that he intends to stay.
But the fact remains that his relationship with Ronaldo – out on the pitch, where it matters most – appears flawed.
“I think things with Gaz are normal,” said the Portuguese after the furore. Way to go, Cristiano.
Of course, what he could have said was: “Gareth Bale is one of the world’s best players. I was angry at the time, but that was in the heat of the moment. He’s a valued team-mate who has already shown he has the ability to become a legend at the club after scoring in the Champions League and the Spanish Cup final.
“Madrid fans have been brilliant with me and I would urge them to show the same level of support for Gaz because he will prove he is worthy of them.”
Who knows the reason why Ronaldo appears incapable of sharing the limelight at the Bernabeu with Bale.
Dare we suggest it may be a green-eyed monster?
Gallery: Gareth Bale's first year in Madrid
Never mind the ball, it seems that the perfectly toned, perfectly presented plasticine man doesn’t want to share the same platform as his supposed friend.
Well, we have news for Mr Ronaldo. If ‘Gaz’ is not wanted at the Bernabeu, he would be welcomed back into the Premier League with open arms.
Bale is a magnificent athlete. Capable of turning games with a flash of brilliance that you would pay money to watch.
And if Los Blancos aren’t careful, they could be pushing him towards the exit door.
Their interest in Manchester United keeper David de Gea – as revealed today by my colleague Steve Bates – is very real.
And Bale would be a more than useful option should United decide to call time on Radamel Falcao’s stay at Old Trafford
Not signing the Colombian full time would represent a £44million saving – money that could be used in any deal that saw de Gea move back to Madrid.
Moreover, would Manchester City be able to manipulate their figures to be able to afford him?
Arsenal could, obviously, given their cash pile.
But crossing the north London divide may be a step too far.
No, while outwardly all seems calm, the indications are that it is anything but.
And if it doesn’t work out in the Spanish capital, Gareth, please come home – we’ll look after you, even if your supposed friends won’t.
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