Gareth Bale happy to turn back on Premier League return in favour of bumper new Real Madrid deal
Former Tottenham forward Gareth Bale insists he was happy to turn his back on a potential return to the Premier League in favour of staying at Real Madrid for life after signing a new long-term contract at the Santiago Bernabeu.
The 27-year-old’s new deal, which ties him to Real for the next six years until 2022, will make Bale the highest-paid player in world football, earning £600,000 a week before tax.
Bale, who joined Real from Spurs for a then world record £85m in 2013, is set to pocket around £150m over the next six years in salary and bonuses. There is a nominal buy-out clause of £900m inserted into his contract.
Asked whether he envisaged ending his career in Spain, Bale said: “Yeah, for sure. The reason that I have signed this extension is that I am very happy. I feel comfortable, my Spanish is improving, my family is more settled.
“I don’t know when I am going to retire but I fully intend to see out my contract here.”
Bale endured a difficult second season at Real and was booed by his own fans, but recovered last term to net 19 goals in 31 matches as Los Blancos lifted the Champions League for the second time in three years.