Despite a testing year in Spain, Gareth Bale has given the biggest indication yet that he will not be leaving Real Madrid and moving to Manchester United this summer.
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As reported by Le 10 Sport, the former Tottenham Hotspur superstar has admitted disappointment at Real’s season, but vowed to return to restore the club’s lustre next term.
“It wasn’t the end of the season that we were hoping for,” Bale admitted, “we always want to win trophies.
“I am going to work hard during the off-season and I want to come back stronger next season with Real Madrid.”
Bale’s comments would appear to indicate that he has no intention of moving to Manchester United this summer.
The Red Devils have been heavily linked with the Welshman, and having failed to bring him to Old Trafford back in 2013 [via ESPN], are believed to be keen on sealing his signature this summer.
According to Mundo Deportivo [via the Express], Louis van Gaal launched an ambitious £110 million-bid for Merengues duo Bale and Rafael Varane earlier this week, but the bid was rejected by Real.
It is not impossible that van Gaal will return to the Bernabeu with an improved offer, although the Welsh superstar’s recent comments would appear to indicate that he would not be interested in leaving Real, even if the price was right.
The winger enjoyed a successful maiden campaign in Spain following his world-record £86 million-move, and lifted the Champions League—Real’s tenth European Cup—in the summer of 2013. However, he has come under criticism this term during the club’s underwhelming campaign [via The Guardian]. Before his departure [via ESPN], Carlo Ancelotti failed to win La Liga and was also unable to retain the Champions League following an aggregate semi-final defeat to Juventus.
Bale managed 13 goals and nine goals in 31 La Liga appearances this season, compared to 15 goals and 12 assists in 27 top-flight outings during his maiden campaign.