Spurs sell Bale for €100m but don’t fear life without him
TOTTENHAM boss Andre Villas-Boas insists his squad still boasts sufficient talent to enjoy a successful season despite forward Gareth Bale finally completing his €100m transfer to Real Madrid last night.
The north London club reluctantly confirmed the world record deal had been concluded, with Bale, who has signed a six-year deal believed to be worth £300,000 per week, due to be presented to the Real fans at the Bernabeu at 12pm today.
Spurs chairman Daniel Levy said in a statement his club “had no intention of selling” but were forced to with Bale unlikely to be “sufficiently committed” going forwards.
Villas-Boas has already reinvested the £85.3m in his squad with the capture of seven new players, five of which played some part in yesterday’s 1-0 defeat to rivals Arsenal.
But with six points from their opening three games and a place in the Europa League group stage already secured this season Villas-Boas does not fear life without Bale at White Hart Lane.
“Change creates expectation and raises anxiety in people and we have great belief in ourselves that this can be our season,” he said.
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“Tottenham have made some great reinvestments from the money that will come from Gareth Bale. A wonderful player is going to join Real Madrid and we wish him all the best. He’s left with great memories from last season, which I think every Tottenham fan cherishes, but he has moved on and we move on as well.”
Bale, meanwhile, believes the time was right for him to make his “dream move” to La Liga, following six years and 203 appearances with Spurs.
His move comes after a summer-long saga was concluded on the eve of the transfer window closing at 11pm tonight and the 24-year-old, frustrated by the length of time taken to complete the deal, is now desperate to get started at Real.
“It’s the right time to say goodbye,” said Bale. “We’ve had some special times together over the years and I’ve loved every minute of it.
“Tottenham will always be in my heart and I’m sure that this season will be a successful one for them. I am now looking forward to the next exciting chapter in my life, playing football for Real Madrid.”
Villas-Boas is not expected to add further to his squad today, but did confirm outgoing loans are likely.
Former Spurs manager Harry Redknapp has made enquiries about “an extensive list of players” to take to Queens Park Rangers, with out-of-favour left-back Benoit Assou-Ekotto thought to be at the very top.