Andre Villas-Boas confirms Gareth Bale departure to Real Madrid

Tottenham Hotspur manager Andre Villas-Boas has confirmed that winger Gareth Bale is leaving for Real Madrid.

The 24-year-old Welshman is expected to officially join the Spanish giants for a world-record fee before the close of the summer transfer window on Monday night.

"[Bale] is a wonderful player, he is going to join Real Madrid so we wish him all the best," Villas-Boas told reporters. "He has left us with great memories."

Villas-Boas was speaking after Tottenham's 1-0 defeat at Arsenal in the Premier League on Sunday.