Real Madrid have finally managed to seal the Gareth Bale deal, breaking the world transfer record in the process. The Welsh star has agreed a £300,000 per week, six-year contract after sealing an £85.3m move which surpasses the £80m Real paid Manchester United for Cristiano Ronaldo back in 2009. "I have had six very happy years at Tottenham but it's the right time to say goodbye," Bale said. "We've had some special times together and I've loved every minute of it."
Bale will have a medical before being presented to the Real Madrid fans. The "Welsh Wizard" added: "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. Tottenham will always be in my heart and I'm sure this season will be a successful one for them. I am now looking forward to the next exciting chapter in my life, playing football for Real Madrid."
Bale joined Spurs as a left-back for £10m from Southampton back in 2007 and became a world superstar last season when he scored 26 goals. Tottenham chairman Daniel Levy admitted he wanted to keep Bale at the club for at least another season. "Gareth was a player we had absolutely no intention of selling as we look to build for the future," said Levy. "Such has been the attention from Real Madrid, and so great is Gareth's desire to join them, 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."
Bale could make his debut for Real Madrid when they meet Villarreal in the Spanish top flight on September 14, here are the odds for the match at Bet365:
Villarreal win - 9/2
Draw - 16/5
Real Madrid win - 11/20
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