Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

Transfer news: Gareth Bale unveiled at the Bernabeu after completing £85m move from Tottenham

The Wales international is greeted by 25,000 fans at the Bernabeu

James Legge
Monday 02 September 2013 13:31 BST
Comments

Gareth Bale has passed his medical at Real Madrid and been presented at the Bernabeu.

Bale flew to the Spanish capital this morning after Real ended over two months of speculation, gossip and negotiation last night by announcing they had agreed a deal - thought to be worth a world-record £85.3million - with Spurs for the 24-year-old.

He has signed a six-year contract and been paraded in front of the La Liga club's fans, showing off his ball skills in his new club's colours.

The club's president, Florentino Perez, who called Bale an "exceptional footballer", said: "Bale's determination made it possible for him to be here today.

"The moment he dreamed of as a child has arrived. This is your stadium, this is your shield and these are your fans. This is your home."

And addressing the crowd in Spanish, Bale said the switch was "a dream come true" and that he hoped to help them win the "decima" - their 10th European title.

He drew a huge cheer when he punched the air and shouted: “Hala Madrid!” - the club's traditional rallying cry.

Attaching a picture of the former Southampton man giving the thumbs-up while undergoing his medical, Real posted on their website: "The new Real Madrid player passed the tests he underwent in the Hospital Sanitas La Moraleja.

"Gareth Bale went to the Hospital Sanitas La Moraleja, where he underwent medical examination prior to his move to Real Madrid.

"The player passed the tests successfully and then went to the Bernabeu to sign his contract."

Bale tweeted to thank his former clubs: "Thanks to both SouthamptonFC and SpursOfficial for helping me to reach this point in my career... two very special clubs."

"To all the Spurs fans, your support the last 6 years has been incredible and I'll never forget it, thank you #COYS."

A 25,000-strong crowd turned up to see the world's most expensive player presented this lunchtime.

Bale certainly does not seem overawed by the prospect of becoming the most expensive player in history, however.

"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," Bale said.

"I am well aware that I would not be at the level I am today were it not for firstly Southampton and then Spurs standing by me during some of the tougher times and affording me the environment and support they have.

"Tottenham will always be in my heart and I'm sure that 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."

Spurs and Madrid have clashed on several occasions throughout the summer.

Tottenham were annoyed at the stage being erected two weeks ago and the idea of Bale shirts being sold on the Real Madrid website.

But the biggest gripe Levy had with Real was with their public flattery towards Bale, which he thinks unsettled the player.

"Gareth was a player we had absolutely no intention of selling as we look to build for the future. He is a player whose career we have fostered and developed and he was only a year into his new four-year contract," the Tottenham chairman said.

"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."

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in