Real Madrid have broken the world transfer record to sign Tottenham forward Gareth Bale. The Wales star has agreed a €350,000 per week, six-year deal after sealing an 100m euro move which eclipses the 90m Real paid Manchester United for Cristiano Ronaldo in 2009.
Bale said ” I have had six very happy years at Tottenham but it’s the right time to say goodbye. We’ve had some special times together and I’ve loved every minute of it.”
Bale will have a medical and then be presented to the Real Madrid fans at the Bernabeu at midday on Monday before speaking at a media conference. His representatives told Spurs at the end of July that he wanted to speak to the Spanish giants. Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti’s claim at the start of August that they were “in talks to find a solution” to the transfer angered Tottenham manager Andre Villas-Boas, but the clubs have now reached a settlement.
After his side’s 1-0 loss to Arsenal, Villas-Boas said: “Bale is a wonderful player. He is going to join Real Madrid so we wish him all the best. He left us with some great memories from last season.”
Bale, who becomes Real MadridÂ’s fifth signing of the summer, paid tribute to both Southampton and Tottenham for developing his career.
He said: “I am well aware I would not be at the level I am today were it not for firstly Southampton and then Spurs standing by me during some of the tougher times and affording me the environment and support they have. I would like to thank everyone at the club; the chairman, board, staff, coaches and players, and, most of all, the fantastic fans who I hope will understand this amazing career opportunity. Spurs have been busy in this transfer window, signing seven players for a total outlay approaching 115m. Bale’s sale could now trigger a series of deals involving other Premier League clubs before the transfer window closes at 11pm on Monday.
