Real Madrid ace Gareth Bale wants to finish his career as a Madridsta, perThe Guardian, after the Welsh attacker, who signed from Tottenham Hotspur three years ago,extended his deal with the Spanish club on Monday, putting pen to paper on a contract set to expire in 2022.
Bale has been linked with a return to the Premier League for the past two seasons, but this new development should do a lot to pour cold water on all of the rumours.
Bale held a press conference at the Bernabeu after signing his new deal, and was asked whether he sees himself ending his career at Madrid, to whichhe replied:Yeah, for sure. The reason I signed here for so long is because I'm very happy here.
I feel more comfortable every year that I'm here as well. I'm improving my Spanish, my family's more settled.
"I fully intend to see out my contract here. Obviously in the future, I don't know when I'm going to retire, but I'm very happy here at the moment and for the next six years I'm not looking past that really.�
The 27-year-old has been linked with Manchester United a long time, and many thought that they would go for him during the summer, yet Bale insisted that he didn't even know who was interested in signing him.
I couldn't tell you if anyone's been interested. Since I've been here I've been fully concentrated on playing for Real Madrid. I'm very happy here which shows why I've signed another six-year deal and we never really speak about these things.
"If [United] have [shown an interest] they have, I don't know about it. The main thing for me is to concentrate on my football and everything else is dealt with behind the scenes.�
He also pointed out that the transition was not an easy one, especially with him being a British player, but Bale has transcended that to become an absolute star in one of the world's biggest clubs.
"There have been bad moments, that always happens wherever you are, but the most important thing is how you react. It would be easy to pack up and leave and go elsewhere, but it takes more character to stay here, fight and make things work.
It's been difficult journey. It is difficult for British players to come to any European club.
"I've had difficult times and good times. It's all a learning curve.
"I have grown as a person and enjoyed the experience. I am happy here and feel loved by the fans. I am going to try and win all the trophies I can. I always believe that if you keep working hard you will get your rewards.�