If anyone was curious whether or not Gareth Bale would be willing to leave the comfort of the British Isles if a big club came calling, he answered that question on Monday. Ever since his hat trick against Inter Milan at the San Siro and spectacular performance in the return leg against the defending European champions there have been rumors about all of the world's top clubs buying Bale. That includes English ones, like Manchester United, or foreign ones, like Real Madrid. If they came calling, Bale says he wouldn't be scared to move abroad.
Gareth Bale Says He Would Be Willing To Play Abroad
“You never know,” Bale told Spanish newspaper AS about the possibility of a move abroad, “but I’m not afraid to leave the country. If a great opportunity arises, you need to seriously consider it. I left home at 15. If I leave the Premier League, I’ll learn another language, I’ll know other people, another country. I will grow as a person. There aren’t more British players abroad because the league is very strong but now yours [La Liga] has got Cristiano [Ronaldo], [Lionel] Messi…”
Also on Monday, Tottenham Hotspur manager Harry Redknapp slapped an £80m price tag on Bale so anyone inquiring about Bale will have to be willing to pay an enormous transfer fee, but at least they know Bale would be willing. Bryan Ashlock of SBNation's Spurs blog Cartilage Free Captain writes that he can understand Bale's attitude though.
I never expected Gareth Bale to play the rest of his career at Tottenham Hotspur. It’s not something that’s done in football today. I do, however, expect a measure of loyalty from him. The club has showed patience and faith in him and I feel like that should count for something. That said, saying that one would consider the opportunity is a lot different from saying “I want out now”. Heck, I would consider the opportunity if Real Madrid called me.
A Bale transfer is not imminent and he did not ask for a transfer as soon as the season is over. That said, it is not unrealistic to expect clubs to inquire about his availability and even test just how serious Redknapp is about that £80m valuation. If a very high bid came in, say £50m, would Spurs sell? It would be interesting to see.
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