Gareth Bale could have moved to Manchester United, says agent

Gareth Bale could have gone to Manchester United or Barcelona but chose to fulfill his dream and play for Real Madrid, his agent has said.

The Welshman moved to the Santiago Bernabeu last summer in a 91-million-euro deal from Tottenham Hotspur. And after a tough start to life in the Spanish capital when he was hampered by injury, Bale wrote himself into Madridista folklore by scoring the winner in the Copa de Rey final, and the crucial second goal in the Champions League final.

Speaking to Madrid-based daily AS, Jonathan Barnett said his client had bigger offers from both the Red Devils and Los Cules, but wanted to move to the 10-time European Cup winners.

“To complete it was a great honor for me because I met Gareth when he was very young and I was able to help make dream come true … He always wanted to play for Madrid. He could have gone to United and other clubs, but he wanted to Madrid,” he said.

“I know that at one time Barcelona were also interested in him, but he said he did not want to go there. There were two agents who called me,” he added.

He went on to say that he was confident the 25-year-old would one day go on to win the Ballon d’Or.

“I’m sure that he will be the best player in the world. He will win the Ballon d’Or. He’s 25 years old! I told the president and Jose Angel Sanchez and they laughed. They don’t laugh much now,” he stated.