I’m staying at Real - Bale

Gareth Bale's agents says the transfer window should be scrapped and deals permitted throughout the season. Photo: Jason Cairnduf

Gareth Bale's agents says the transfer window should be scrapped and deals permitted throughout the season. Photo: Jason Cairnduf

Published Aug 5, 2015

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Gareth Bale returned to haunt Tottenham last night — before pledging his future to Real Madrid.

The Welshman, who joined the Spaniards from Spurs for a world record £85.2million in 2013, had been linked with a move away from the Bernabeu and Manchester United were interested.

He dismissed any thoughts of a switch after scoring the second goal in a comprehensive victory at the Audi Cup in Munich.

Bale added that he was looking forward to a big season as Real try to dethrone La Liga and Champions League winners Barcelona.

‘I am confident,’ said the 26-year-old. ‘It’s great to have the support of the manager and the president and hopefully I can repay them now with some goals and trophies.’

Bale offered a muted celebration after scoring against his old club, whose managerMauricio Pochettino admitted he needs to bring in a new striker.

Last season’s 31-goal top scorer Harry Kane had to play 86 minutes in stifling Bavarian heat against Real and there are few options at White Hart Lane to ease the 22-year-old’s workload.

Pochettino also revealed that he wants to fly his side back to London tonight after the third-place play-off, rather than tomorrow as planned.

He acknowledged that the trip to Germany ahead of Saturday’s season-opening 12.45pm kick-off at Manchester United is not ideal.

‘We need to try to rearrange the flight,’ said Pochettino. ‘It is true that it is a rushbut it is not a problem.’

England man Kane, who worked tirelessly for little reward against a world class defence, hit out at Madrid captain and Manchester United target Sergio Ramos for making a poor tackle on Christian Eriksen.

After the break Ramos was booked for going through the back of the lively Danish midfielder.

‘I thought that tackle was quite naughty,’ said Kane, who was Tottenham’s captain. ‘Sometimes they can do a lot of damage. I ran over because we are a team. We’ve got to stick together, we are brothers out there on the pitch and as captain you want to protect them.’

Tottenham’s old defensive frailties — they conceded 53 goals last season — were evident when James Rodriguez nipped between Eric Dier and Danny Rose to nod past indecisive stand-in keeper Michel Vorm in the 36th minute.

And Bale then let fly with a 25-yard drive that Vorm should have done better with.

Bale, however, believes his old club can improve on last season’s fifth-placed Premier League finish.

‘They play some great stuff,’ said Bale. ‘They are a bit weary. Hopefully, they can do well and make the Champions League.’

Real manager Rafa Benitez ruled out striker Karim Benzema heading to Arsenal.

The former Liverpool manager also refused to be drawn on comments from Jose Mourinho that his wife, who had criticised the Chelsea boss, should concentrate on improving his diet.

‘I only talk about football,’ said Benitez. – Daily Mail

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