Why Gareth Bale chose Real Madrid over Manchester United in 2013
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The Welsh superstar eventually completed a then world-record transfer from Tottenham Hotspur to Madrid for around €100.8 million in September 2013.
At the time, United were entering a new era following the retirement of legendary manager Sir Alex Ferguson and hoped Bale would become the marquee signing of the club's rebuild.
However, the move never materialised.
Key takeaways
- Gareth Bale rejected Manchester United in 2013.
- United reportedly offered more money than Real Madrid.
- Bale had a gentleman's agreement with Tottenham chairman Daniel Levy.
- Spurs' failure to reach the Champions League enabled his move.
- Bale followed his dream to play for Real Madrid.
Manchester United and Real Madrid both wanted Bale
Speaking on the Stick to Football podcast, Bale admitted he did speak with United's then-manager David Moyes about a potential move to Old Trafford.But despite United's strong interest, Bale said the decision was effectively already made.
United and Madrid were the two. I spoke with David Moyes - I didn't speak to Ed Woodward, maybe my agent did, I don't know.The Welsh forward added that the Premier League giants even submitted a higher transfer bid than Madrid.
Yet the negotiations never progressed far because his mind was set on Spain.
My heart was set on Madrid anyway.
Gentleman's agreement with Daniel Levy
A key reason behind Bale's decision was an understanding he had with Tottenham chairman Daniel Levy.The agreement meant Spurs would allow him to leave if the club failed to qualify for the UEFA Champions League, but preferably to a club outside England.
I had something in place with Daniel Levy, more of a gentleman's agreement.When Tottenham finished fifth in the Premier League and missed out on Champions League qualification, that clause effectively opened the door for a move abroad.
He didn't want to sell me to a rival, but if a team came from Spain, Italy, Germany - wherever - I could potentially go.
He made it very tough, like he does, but he stayed true to his word.
Why Real Madrid were always the dream
Despite United offering a strong financial package, Bale insisted money was never the deciding factor.I didn't go down the wages route with United. It didn't go that far.Madrid's interest proved irresistible, particularly once the Spanish giants reserved the famous number 11 shirt for him.
Bale also found reassurance in the presence of fellow Tottenham teammate Luka Modrić, who had moved to the Spanish capital a year earlier.
I knew Modrić who went there the year before, which helped me, knowing I've at least got someone I can be with.The two would go on to form a successful partnership during one of the most dominant periods in the club's history.
He was great for me and he was the player I played with most in my career, which is not bad.
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Read This Next →United's post-Ferguson rebuild
United were searching for marquee signings after the retirement of legendary manager Ferguson.Signing Bale would have been a statement, instead the Red Devils opted for Marouane Fellaini that summer and Juan Mata in January.
Bale's decision, and Levy's stance, played a major role in shaping both clubs' transfer windows.
A move that shaped Bale's legendary career
Bale's decision ultimately proved transformative.At Madrid, he became part of the iconic BBC attacking trio alongside Karim Benzema and Cristiano Ronaldo.
During his time at the Bernabéu, Bale won multiple major trophies, including several UEFA Champions League titles and La Liga honours.
Looking back, the Welsh icon suggests the decision was always clear - even if it meant turning down one of England's biggest clubs.
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