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Jose Mourinho insists Gareth Bale is NOT the same player that left for Real Madrid in 2013... but Tottenham boss believes struggling winger 'will be back to a better level soon' after flopping in Antwerp defeat

Jose Mourinho has extinguished hopes Gareth Bale will rediscover the form he showed back in 2013 to earn his move to Real Madrid by admitting that no player - even Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi - can roll back the years.

Bale was among a number of players who disappointed in the Europa League on Thursday night as Tottenham lost 1-0 away to Royal Antwerp.

Mourinho was left furious, admitting he wanted to make 11 changes at half-time, but when Bale's dismal showing was brought up, the Portuguese tried to be philosophical when it came to Bale's second spell at the club.