AVB: Bale pressure was intense

Andre Villas-Boas has claimed Tottenham were put under “intense” pressure by Gareth Bale to allow him to move to Real Madrid.

The Tottenham boss suggested that Bale’s desire to play for the club had gone after Madrid had been so public in their desire to land the Welshman.

AVB handled the whole saga with class and dignity and as a club we will move on.

Speaking after a meeting of top coaches at UEFA headquarters in Switzerland, he told The Telegraph: “The pressure we were subjected to by the player has been intense.

“The influence of Real Madrid has been very big and you get to a point where you have to consider if it’s feasible not to accept an offer and whether you can press on with a player in that state of mind.

“Obviously, we should be happy with the transfer fee that was paid. Players want to win championships and I believe that with Gareth that is within reach.

“At the end of the day, it’s up to a player to decide if he wants to stay or wants to go.”

AVB also thinks that the transfer window should be closed before the Premier League campaign begins.

He said: “The clubs like it as it is but the coaches are of the opinion that the market should be closed earlier.

“The coaches need time to prepare their teams for the season. Most coaches would like it to be open less time and closed earlier; obviously we will have to have further meetings.”