Former Wales star Gareth Bale has disclosed that he rejected Manchester United’s bumper deal because he had already made up his mind to join Real Madrid.
Bale was among the most sought-after strikers globally at the close of the 2012/13 campaign following a 26-goal haul in 44 appearances for Spurs.
Bale attracted interest from United, then under fresh leadership with David Moyes, and Madrid, ultimately penning a six-year deal at the Santiago Bernabeu that September.
Speaking on the Stick to Football podcast, the 36-year-old admitted that the Red Devils offered him more per week but he was set on joining the Spanish giants.
Read Also:Arokodare Predicts Strong Belgium Showing At 2026 World Cup
“I spoke with David Moyes, but my heart was set on Madrid anyway
“And I had something in place with Daniel Levy, more of a gentleman’s agreement just to be like … Because he didn’t want to sell me to a rival also … ‘We don’t want to strengthen another team.’
“So if a team did come in from Spain, Italy, wherever, Germany, wherever it may be that, I could potentially go because if we didn’t qualify for Champions League, which we didn’t, I was then able to go there. So we had that gentleman’s agreement even though he made it very tough.
“I think I chose the right one (based on the) last 12 years,” he added.
