Real question: How many players, when asked, are going to explicitly rule out ever going to a non-rival former club? Surely the percentages are fairly low, correct?
In the wake of reports that told of Cristiano Ronaldo’s continued affinity for Manchester United -- and seemingly countless other players feelings toward “home” -- Real Madrid star Gareth Bale was quizzed on his feelings for Tottenham Hotspur.
[ MORE: Van Gaal’s interest in Ronaldo ]
And while we would normally try to ignore the Welshman’s waxing poetic of White Hart Lane as political blabber, there is something small to be said given the rumored unrest at the Bernabeu.
From beIN Sport:“I’ll never forget the great European nights at White Hart Lane. They were amazing,” Bale told BT Sport.
“Tottenham will always have a place in my heart. I hope the fans still love me even though I’ve moved on. I love Spurs fans; you never know, I could come back one day.”
He added: “I hope they understand that obviously Real Madrid is a massive, massive club and that they respect my decision. From the moment Madrid put the offer in it was difficult. [Tottenham] was somewhere I felt so comfortable and so happy.”
There’s also the fact that most clubs, including Spurs, aren’t exactly in position to turn down the sort of crazy money they were being offered for Bale.
While Spurs were happy to spend money to bring Jermain Defoe and Robbie Keane back after selling them, Bale money is in another stratosphere. And while Real Madrid could deal with his sale more than others, this report is likely just babble.
Still, it bears a mention just in case those great European nights come calling again.