Gareth Bale has finally completed his world record transfer to Real Madrid.
The Wales international’s reputation has been on the up during the past few seasons, most notably since his UEFA Champions League hat-trick against Internazionale at the San Siro in 2010. Last term was his most productive yet, when he produced a number of sensational performances for Tottenham Hotspur which earned him a double PFA Player Award.
Real showed an interest in the 24-year-old this summer, and it was always likely they would get their man when it became apparent they were willing to pay even more than the £80million they gave Manchester United for Cristiano Ronaldo four years ago. And after a number of hitches along the way, Bale has finally joined Los Blancos in a staggering £85.3million deal.
The former Southampton youngster was officially unveiled at the Bernabeu on Monday afternoon, and he could make his debut when La Liga resumes after the international break on 14 September, when Carlo Ancelotti’s side travel to Villarreal. This is sure to be a date Bale will already have in mind, as he explained he can’t wait to get started for his new club.
Speaking in front of 20,000 spectators who paid to be in attendance at his unveiling, Bale said: “I just want to say that it’s absolutely amazing to be here – a dream come true – and I hope I can help the team bring success to the club. Hopefully this year we can win the 10th European title.”
Real are now prepared to let German international playmaker Mesut Ozil leave the Bernabeu, and it looks increasingly likely that Arsenal will be his next destination. It is believed Arsene Wenger, who has been under pressure to spend big all summer, will smash the Gunners transfer record by splashing out £42million to land the 24-year-old former Werder Bremen ace.
