adminLONDON. — Andre Villas-Boas has admitted that Gareth Bale inflicted “intense” pressure on Tottenham Hotspur to force through his world record transfer to Real Madrid. Villas-Boas appeared to grow increasingly weary during the protracted saga of the summer before Bale’s £86 million move was completed a little over 24 hours before the transfer window closed.
The Tottenham manager has led the calls for trading to finish earlier in the season, backed by the likes of former Liverpool and Chelsea manager Rafael Benítez and Wigan Athletic chairman Dave Whelan, and claimed that Bale’s determination to leave had a damaging effect on his preparations for the Premier League campaign.
While Villas-Boas is certain that the Wales international will underline why Real’s pursuit became so relentless, he has conceded for the first time that the whole affair was difficult to take.
Speaking after a meeting of top coaches at the headquarters of European football’s governing body Uefa in Nyon, Switzerland, he said: “The pressure we were subjected to by the player has been intense.
“The influence of Real Madrid has been very big and you get to a point where you have to consider if it’s feasible not to accept an offer and whether you can press on with a player in that state of mind.
“Obviously, we should be happy with the transfer fee that was paid. Players want to win championships and I believe that with Gareth that is within reach.
“At the end of the day, it’s up to a player to decide if he wants to stay or wants to go.”
Daniel Levy, the Spurs chairman, delayed the announcement of Bale’s sale until he had provided Villas-Boas with more than £100 million to bring in his own signings. — The Telegraph.
Online Reporter