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MADRID. — Gareth Bale charmed his new audience in Madrid yesterday with a few words of Spanish and recognition of their status as the most decorated club in European history. The Bale transfer saga was finally concluded on Sunday night when he moved to Real Madrid for a world-record £86million.
After negotiations that dragged on all summer, the Welshman has agreed a £256 000-a-week, six-year contract and passed a medical yesterday before being presented to the media.
In a move designed to keep Cristiano Ronaldo — signed for £80m in 2009 — happy at the Bernabeu, Real are claiming Bale’s fee is £78m.
Tottenham manager Andre Villas-Boas disclosed a deal had been reached minutes after seeing his side slip to a disappointing 1-0 Barclays Premier League defeat at bitter rivals Arsenal.
Bale, who arrived in Madrid late on Sunday night, said: ‘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.
“I am not sure there is ever a good time to leave a club where I felt settled and was playing the best football of my career to date. I know many players talk of their desire to join the club of their boyhood dreams but I can honestly say this is my dream come true.
“I would not be at the level I am today were it not for Southampton and then Spurs standing by me during some of the tougher times. Tottenham will always be in my heart and I’m sure this will be a successful season for them. I am now looking forward to the next exciting chapter in my life.’
He added on the club website: “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 over the years and I’ve loved every minute of it.
“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.’ Bale has been omitted from Andre Villas-Boas’s squad this season after signalling his intent to join Real Madrid and after weeks of negotiations, the Spanish giants confirmed they have got their man.
Real erected a stage on the pitch ahead of the transfer last week, hoping to announce the star’s arrival, but were made to wait as Spurs chairman Daniel Levy played hardball. Bale will be unveiled at midday UK time.
Spurs chairman Daniel Levy, known as one of the toughest negotiators in the game, was reluctant to lose his star man and played hardball right until the end.
But he sent bale on his way with his best wishes. Levy said: “We had no intention of selling Gareth. But such has been the attention from Real Madrid and so great is Gareth’s desire to join them, that we have taken the view that the player will not be sufficiently committed to our campaign in the current season.
“We have, therefore, with great reluctance, agreed to this sale and do so in the knowledge that we have an exceptionally strong squad to which we have added no fewer than seven top internationals. More importantly, we have an immense team spirit and a dressing room that is hungry for success.
“We wish Gareth all the best in the future and he shall always be welcome at the Lane.”
Villas-Boas said: “He is going to join Real Madrid so we wish him all the best. The player is an absolutely wonderful player.
“He has left us with some great memories from last season which every Tottenham fan cherishes, but he has moved on and we will move on as well.’
Bale joins a long list of illustrious players to have made big-money moves to the Bernabeu. Luis Figo, Zinedine Zidane, David Beckham and Cristiano Ronaldo have all been given the ‘Galactico’ moniker following their high-profile transfers to Real, but none of them have cost as much as Bale.
Bale looked relaxed and refreshed at the end of his transfer saga after completing his medical and attending his long-awaited unveiling ceremony at the Bernabeu.
His family, including his 11-month old daughter Alba Violet, were present and there was even a large grainy photograph on prominent display of the Wales star as a young boy, wearing a Real Madrid shirt, such as one worn by Luis Figo
The 24-year-old will have a couple of days to settle in the Spanish capital before travelling to Macedonia for a World Cup qualifier with Wales.
“I just want to say that it’s absolutely amazing to be here; a dream come true,’ said Bale as he was presented to around 30 000 Real fans by the club president Florentino Perez. “I hope can help the team bring success to the club. And hopefully bring a tenth European title.” Then, in Spanish, he added: ‘It’s a dream, thank you for this great welcome, viva Real Madrid.’ Fans cheered and chanted his name — although they mostly pronounced it Gareth Bailey — and he changed his black suit for the white strip for Real as he kicked 40 footballs into the crowds.
Bale kissed the badge to great applause and the £86million man lashed a couple of shots into the net at the south end of the Bernabeu.
Perez said: “This is your stadium, this is your shirt, this is your field and these are your fans. From now on this is your home. Welcome to your team. Welcome to Real Madrid.
“Challenges are constant, even after victory but never forget the energy of this stadium will be your ally. Many great players have played here and you will be one of their heirs.
“We always want to add the best players in the world. That is one of our identity traits and that is what made RM according to Fifa the best club in the 20th Century.’
Real’s president admitted negotiations with Tottenham had been ‘intense’ and ‘complex’ but he did thank Spurs for allowing Bale to follow his dream. “We finally made it and he is here, to be part of our team.” — Mailonline.
Online Reporter