On Monday morning in Madrid the world’s most expensive player was paraded to his new adoring fans.
Hola, Gareth Bale.
Following confirmation of his $132 million move from Tottenham on Sunday night, Bale arrived in Spain ahead of the huge rigmarole of becoming their new marquee signing.
A massive crowd had been gathering overnight and as Bale arrived chants of “Baaaaaalllee, Baaaaaalllee” rung out around the iconic Santiago Bernabeu.
(MORE: Official; Gareth Bale joins Real Madrid in world record $132 million deal - Video)
The 24-year-old Welshman looked in awe at the sheer number of people who turned out to celebrate his signing and he spoke briefly in Spanish to address the crowd.
“I just want to try a few words in Spanish. ‘Hello. It is a dream to be here in Madrid. Thank you for this welcome. Hala Madrid!’”
After being shown having his medical (and passing it) in a hospital in Madrid, Bale was addressed by Club President Florentino Perez and Director Emilio Butragueno at the Bernabeu, with Perez welcoming Bale and also giving him a taster of what he can expect.
Bale then changed form his suave black suit and tie into a full Real Madrid kit, after being handed the number 11 jersey, and took to the pitch at the iconic venue. He kicked a few balls into the crowd, juggled for a while and then waved and signed autographs for the thousands of fans who showed up.
It was a colossal day for the young attacker as his arrival on the world’s biggest stage is now official. Watch it all unfold below via Real Madrid’s YouTube channel who broadcast everything to the world.
