Transfer Centre

Gareth Bale "happy playing in Madrid"

By Matt Law, Football Editor | 17 July 2017

Real Madrid attacker Gareth Bale says that he is "happy" at the Bernabeu, and rejects claims that he received an offer from Manchester United this summer.

Real Madrid attacker Gareth Bale has insisted that he is "happy playing in Madrid", and has rejected suggestions that Manchester United made another play for his signature in this summer's transfer window.

Bale was a part of a Madrid team that landed La Liga and the Champions League last season, but a frustrating campaign for the Welshman on a personal level saw him restricted to just 27 appearances in all competitions due to a number of injury problems.

It had been claimed that the 28-year-old could leave the Bernabeu this summer, but Bale has denied that he received an offer from United, who are said to hold a long-standing interest in the former Tottenham Hotspur left-back.

"No, everything has been complicated by my injury, but nothing else. I can still play well and when I'm at the maximum I'll give my best again. I signed a long contract at Madrid and I'm happy here," Bale told Marca.

"The truth is I didn't read anything about United's interested. As a British player, I'm always associated with a return home. The same thing happened with David Beckham and other Englishmen who came to Spain. It's nothing new.

"I'm happy playing in Madrid, logically interest is interest, but if there has been nothing concrete, no offer, then there is nothing to discuss."

Bale, who is currently with his Spanish club on their pre-season tour of the United States, has scored 67 goals in 150 appearances for Real Madrid since his 2013 move from Tottenham.