Gareth Bale’s legacy at Real Madrid is defined by iconic moments, including his unforgettable Champions League performances and an extraordinary haul of five UEFA Champions League titles.
While his move to Madrid from Tottenham Hotspur made headlines in 2013, there was a major chance that none of Bale’s history with the Spanish giants would have ever happened.
During an episode of the ‘Obi One Podcast’ with former Chelsea midfielder John Obi Mikel, manager Andre Villas-Boas revealed that Manchester United made a massive push to hijack Bale’s departure from Spurs, tabling a whopping £120 million offer ($187 Million in 2013).
Manchester United Outbid Real Madrid for Gareth Bale
“Gareth then had an offer from Real Madrid. I remember Manchester United at the last minute because Daniel Levy came to my office. They were paying 120 and Gareth didn’t wanna go. He wanted to go to Real Madrid,” recollected Villas-Boas, who was Tottenham’s manager at the time.
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Manchester United’s offer for the explosive winger came as the club was undergoing a major transition following the departure of Sir Alex Ferguson and was adjusting to life under David Moyes. The Red Devils’ former chief executive Ed Woodward also wanted to bring the Welsh star to Old Trafford, which led to the massive offer.
Despite United’s bid, Villas-Boas revealed that Bale’s interest remained solely focused on a move to Madrid.
“Gareth was protecting himself because he really wanted this transfer to happen. Real Madrid were pushing a lot.”
“I remember in the Asia tour, he was out in the physio room, so I went to his physio bed. I had a pen so I picked up my pen and I wrote here Real Madrid and Man United…”
“He chose wisely…but he really wanted that move.”
Bale ultimately made the move to the Spanish capital for £85 million ($114 million) for a £300,000 per week deal, and spent nine years at the club, winning five Champions League titles and three La Liga titles.
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