"I spoke with [then United manager] David Moyes, but my heart was set on Madrid anyway. And I had something in place with Daniel Levy, more of a gentleman's agreement. Because he didn't want to sell me to a rival. So if a team did come in from Spain, Italy, wherever, Germany, wherever it may be that I could potentially go because if we didn't qualify for Champions League, which we didn't, I was then able to go there."
"I think I chose the right one [based on the] last 12 years. I didn't go down the wages route with United. I didn't get that far. They offered more money to buy me, and a player [too], but it didn't really get any legs to be honest no."
Gareth Bale turned down Manchester United's significant offer to sign from Tottenham in 2013, choosing instead to join Real Madrid. Although David Moyes and United made a substantial push including financial incentives and a player, Bale's heart was set on Madrid. He had negotiated a gentleman's agreement with Tottenham manager Daniel Levy that permitted him to transfer to clubs outside England if the team failed to qualify for the Champions League. Bale ultimately joined Madrid for £85.3 million and went on to make 258 appearances, score 106 goals, win three LaLiga titles, and help Los Blancos secure five Champions League titles during his 12 years there.
Read at Soccer News
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