Bale signs contract extension with Real Madrid

Forward Gareth Bale signed a contract extension with Real Madrid on Monday, committing his future to the Spanish football powerhouse till June 2022.

"Gareth Bale signed his contract extension with Real Madrid in the Boardroom accompanied by President Florentino Perez. The Welsh player is linked to the club until June 30, 2022," Real Madrid said in a statement.

Following the signing, he received a replica of La Cibeles and a shirt with his name on the back and the number 2022, according to the release.

Bale said: "I am very very happy, delighted. When I arrived I wanted to be successful and win titles. It's another dream come true and I hope there are more titles and trophies. I have improved my Spanish, my family is more integrated and I feel that the fans love me.

"I extended my contract because I feel very happy, every year I am more confident and I think we can keep winning titles. All titles are important and we want to win every competition we play in. I want to keep working hard and playing well."

Spanish media reported that Bale, whose previous deal with the reigning European champions had run until 2019, will be paid around $700,000 per week under the new deal.

The 27-year-old moved to Madrid from English club Tottenham Hotspur in September 2013 for a then world record transfer fee.

He has scored 50 goals in 90 league appearances. He has also won two European Champions League titles with the Madrid giants.

"It has been a pleasure to play with Cristiano Ronaldo and (Karim) Benzema over the years and it's great to play with everyone. We have had a lot of success in recent years and we will not stop. We want to win everything we play in," he said.

"I do not see myself as a leader, but I try to lead by example and help the team as much as I can. The more time you spend more here, the more integrated you are, and all I do is try to help the team win as many titles as possible."

The contract ends any lingering doubt that former Southampton player Bale would remain in Spain despite speculation he could return to the English league.

Bale joins Lucas Vazquez, Luka Modric and Toni Kroos who have recently extended their current deals with the capital club.

--IANS

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