Transfer Centre

Gareth Bale: 'David Beckham advised me on Real Madrid move'

By Shane Callaghan, Reporter | 24 November 2013

Gareth Bale reveals that David Beckham was among those who contacted him in the aftermath of him sealing a £86m move to Real Madrid in September.

Real Madrid winger Gareth Bale has revealed that he sought advice from former Galacticos prior to signing for the Spanish giants, including David Beckham.

The Wales international usurped Cristiano Ronaldo as the world's most expensive player by joining Los Blancos for a record £86m in September.

The 24-year-old claims that he was not short of Madrid old boys offering advice on how he can cope with the pressure of living up to such a billing.

When asked of which players he had been in contact with, Bale told reporters: "All of them. David Beckham texted to wish me good luck and stuff. It was very nice and I appreciated it.

"He trained at Tottenham with me for a while, so I know him quite well anyway and it's nice of him just to give a text and a call. I know Jonathan Woodgate from my time at Tottenham, so I speak to him now and again.

"I met Steve McManaman when I did an interview and we spoke for a bit. They have been in this situation as well. They give good words of advice, I take it on board and it's helping me a lot out here."

Bale has scored five goals in seven starts in all competitions in the Spanish capital thus far.