London - Gareth Bale will return to Spain after the European Championship to a ‘contract for life’ at Real Madrid.
The news will scupper the interest from Premier League powerhouses but shows once again the growing presence of the Wales star as one of the world’s best players.
At 26, he can expect a deal stretching way beyond his 30th birthday. Though it is yet to be formally confirmed, it is understood the new contract could be for as long as seven years. Madrid will also make him one of the highest-paid players in the world.
He is expected to emerge as the face of Real Madrid in future seasons, ahead even of team-mate Cristiano Ronaldo, who has struggled so far at Euro 2016.
Bale cost Madrid around £85million in 2013 from Tottenham and that made him the world’s most expensive player. That record is expected to come under threat if and when France midfielder Paul Pogba leaves Juventus this summer.
Daily Mail