At US$133 million (Dhs488m) Gareth Bale’s transfer to Real Madrid was easily the largest in history, but his agent Jonathan Barnett has revealed that if his client had moved to Manchester United, that amount would have been even greater.
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– Barcelona met with Tottenham to discuss Gareth Bale transfer
Bale’s record move from Tottenham Hotspur in the Summer of 2013 eclipsed that of Real teammate Cristiano Ronaldo, who moved from Old Trafford to the Bernabeu for US$125 million (Dhs459m) in 2009.
With 25 goals from 30 appearances for Los Blancos Bale, he looks set to prove a worthy investment for the Madrid side.
When asked specifically if Bale’s rival suitors from Manchester United had offered more money, he replied: "Not much more, but more.
"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."
Barnett went on to make the bold prediction that it is only a matter of time before the Welshman wins football’s most prestigious individual award, the Ballon d’Or.
"I'm sure that he will be the best player in the world," he added. "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.
"I told them that Bale was a better player than Neymar and has more impact. In Wales there are fewer people than in Brazil, unfortunately, but in the world I think Gareth is more known and important."
Bale is already justifying his colossal price tag after scoring important goals in the Copa del Rey and Champions League finals to help his new side win major trophies in his debut season and end Real’s search for La Decima.