TOTTENHAM confirmed the signing of Gareth Bale – the club’s new No9.
The Welshman has returned to Spurs seven years after leaving for Real Madrid in a then-record £85million transfer.
Tottenham confirmed the signing of Gareth Bale
The Welshman has returned to Spurs, seven years after leaving for Real MadridCredit: Getty Images – Getty
Tottenham, who have forked out £12million in wages and loan fees to secure the deal, tweeted: “Bale. Is. Back. Welcome home Gareth Bale.”
The Champions League winner will take the No9 shirt.
He started his career wearing 16, then switched to 3 before making his name as their No11.
He carried the number over to the Spanish capital, with Argentine Erik Lamela inheriting it at Spurs.
Lamela is still at the club, meaning Bale opted for the No9 – last worn by Vincent Janssen.
Spurs paid tribute to Bale in their Twitter bio, referencing each of his numbers worn at the club, as they posted: 16:03:11:09.
Bale tweeted: “To all the Spurs fans, after 7 years, I’m back!”
In the Spanish capital, he scored 105 goals and made 68 assists for the Spanish giants in just 251 games.
But he’s back for his second spell in North London after being frozen out of Madrid’s squad.
The 31-year-old completed his medical in Spain after saying goodbye to his Madrid team-mates.
Spurs chairman Daniel Levy made a rare appearance at the club’s training ground on Friday as they looked to finalise the deal.
Madrid have been keen to get the Welshman’s huge £650,000-per-week wages off the book.
It is understood that Spurs will pay 50 per cent – with the LaLIga champions covering the other half.
Left-back Sergio Reguilon was also unveiled on Saturday evening as the club completed a double deal with Los Blancos.
Ironically, Reguilon will wear Bale’s old No3 shirt.
Gareth Bale arrives at Tottenham training centre for transfer talks
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
