We covered a report from the Daily Star on Monday which claimed that Gareth Bale is unlikely to ever return to Spurs and that his next destination is likely to be either China or the MLS.
The Real Madrid star’s agent Jonathan Barnett has admitted that China is indeed attractive to the 30-year-old now that he has won so many major trophies. He also completely ruled out any chance of Bale returning to North London.
The former Spurs star was reported to be close to a move to the Chinese Super League last summer and in an interview with Spanish publication AS, Barnett revealed the details of the failed transfer.
He said: “He (Bale) got an offer that was impossible to refuse. But Real Madrid wouldn’t sell him. They (the Chinese club) couldn’t pay what Madrid wanted.
“He wanted to create a legacy. He wanted to bring Chinese football up. He had a vision that he could make Chinese football great. He’s won everything that he can win, and he’s done it many times.
“It was to create a legacy, his name, to be the first great player to go to China. But it wasn’t to be… And the money was special too. It would have made him the highest-paid player on Earth.”
When asked about the possibility of Bale rejoining Tottenham, he said: “No. He’s 30 years old, he’ll be 31 next year. I don’t know how long Gareth will play for. It’s what his lifestyle wants.
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“He loves Madrid. His children have been there since they were babies, they speak Spanish, believe it or not [laughs]. The whole lifestyle is fantastic. I was there two days ago in Madrid, it was 15 degrees, beautiful.
“Here it’s freezing cold. If you’re one of the greatest footballers to have ever played, why do you want to.”
The 70-year-old was also extremely critical of the Spanish press for their treatment of Bale but insisted that the Wales international was still enjoying life at Madrid.
Finally, Barnett was also asked about the toughest club chairmen he has negotiated with. When suggested that it could be Daniel Levy, he responded: “Daniel Levy is one of the most honourable men I know.
“He thinks he’s good (in negotiations), but so am I and I think I’m better. It’s very hard to do business with him, in a nice way.
“He wants the most and I want the most so we argue. But the one thing is that we shake hands on it and we don’t need paper. His word is 100%.”
Spurs Web Opinion
I think this should now end any suggestions of Bale returning to Spurs. Barnett has not only made it clear that it is not on the cards but it is apparent from his words that the 30-year-old has lost his hunger to succeed at the highest level. Seeing as he isn’t willing to take a wage cut, it makes little sense for Spurs to spend so much on him.
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