The agent of Real Madrid forward Gareth Bale has said rumours that he would move back to the Premier League this summer was just paper talk and never close to becoming a reality.
The Welshman endured a tough second season in the Spanish capital with some Madridista fans jeering and booing him for some under par performances. That lead to speculation in the UK and Spanish media over the summer that the 25-year-old could be tempted by a switch back to England, with Manchester United and Chelsea mentioned as possible destinations.
But speaking to reporters, Jonathan Barnett said Bale was never going anywhere this summer.
“No, not at all. He was nowhere near leaving — that was all stupid paper talk,” he commented.
Bale has netted 41 goals in 94 games for Madrid, and Barnett added that the former Spurs man intends on sticking around for many more years to come.
He stated: “He is very happy at Real Madrid and hopefully he will stay there for the rest of his career. He’s loving it there and things are going well for him.”
The agent also added that he expects Bale to have the ‘most valuable player in the world’ tag for some time yet to come.
“You have Ronaldo, who is getting to the end of his career, and Messi as well. In Spain they have clauses which come out and state how you much you have to pay so at the moment he is the most valuable and it will be a while before someone breaks it.”
