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Gareth Bale's stunning return to Tottenham Hotspur has grabbed all the headlines in recent weeks, with the Welshman joining the club from Real Madrid on a season-long loan. Having swapped North London for Spain in the summer of 2013 in what was a world-record deal at the time, Bale's transfer was one of the most talked-about transfers in the history of the game.
After seven years and several trophies to his name, the 31-year-old fell out with Real Madrid manager Zinedine Zidane. While his form dipped in the past 24 months, Bale's commitment to Los Blancos was also questioned, as fans across the world vented their frustrations towards his attitude.
After a disastrous 2019-20 season on a personal level, the explosive Welshman returned to Tottenham Hotspur on a loan deal. Reports suggest that Real Madrid and Spurs will share his exorbitant €600,000-per-week wages, while Los Blancos are also entitled to a loan fee.
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Bale's Spanish adventure turned sour in the past 24 months, but he is sure to be remembered as an important figure in the club's European dominance. On that note, here are ten amazing facts from his Real Madrid career, as he looks set to be remembered as one of the most enigmatic figures in Los Blancos' history.
#10 Stellar goalscoring record despite his injury record
Gareth Bale joined Real Madrid in the summer of 2013 and made an immediate impact at the club. Los Blancos have had some of the best footballers in the world at the time, with Cristiano Ronaldo, Karim Benzema all hailed as club legends.
Only Ronaldo and Benzema scored more goals than Bale in his time at the Santiago Bernabeu, a stat that proves how big a matchwinner the Welshman was in his prime.
#9 Averaged more than a goal per Real Madrid start
At the moment, Bale has 105 goals in 204 starts for Real Madrid, a record that goes to show how big a part the Welshman played in the club's recent success.
Cristiano Ronaldo might have been the club's talismanic figure, but Bale's devastation from the right-flank was a key feature of their gameplay a few years ago.
#8 Eye-watering numbers alongside Cristiano Ronaldo
556 goals and 199 assists between Gareth Bale and Cristiano Ronaldo at Real Madrid represents one of the most successful eras in the club's history.
Regardless of Bale's form, he is sure to be remembered as a modern-day great by the Madrid faithful.
#7 Bale's European pedigree
Bale won a staggering four UEFA Champions League crowns at Real Madrid and also scored in two finals for the club.
Much like Cristiano Ronaldo, he was so often the man for the big occasions and delivered in style in Europe.
Also Read: Cristiano Ronaldo: 12 incredible records and stats from the 2019-20 season
#6 Trophies galore for Bale at the Bernabeu
Gareth Bale's transfer to Real Madrid is sure to go down as an unwavering success, with the Welshman winning as many as 16 major trophies with the club.
166 goal involvements in 251 appearances is also a stunning return for a player who is harshly treated by a few Real Madrid fans across the globe.
#5 Better Real Madrid legacy than several legends of the game
Bale's Real Madrid stint might have turned sour in the past 24 months, but the fact remains that he will always be remembered for his contributions in the club's Champions League dominance in the past decade.
More trophies than Zinedine Zidane, more assists than David Beckham, and more goals than the legendary Ronaldo Nazario. Unbelievable record regardless of what you think of him as a player.
#4 More games than Figo and UCLs than Raul
In addition to the previous stat, the mercurial Welshman also has more appearances for the club than former Ballon d'Or winner Luis Figo, while he has also won the Champions League more times than legendary striker Raul.
Bale could well be one of the most underrated Real Madrid players of all time.
#3 Bale to end Tottenham's trophy drought?
With two La Liga triumphs to his name in his time in Spain, Bale has won as many league titles as Tottenham have in their history.
Will the prodigal son return to break the club's long wait for a trophy?
#2 Tottenham finally replace Bale. With Bale!
Tottenham have blown hot and cold in the transfer market in recent years, with the likes of Nacer Chadli, Erik Lamela, and Clinton N'Jie, amongst others failing to replace Bale at the club.
However, after seven years, Spurs have resigned Bale to fill the void left by him in 2013. The beautiful game produces some incredible stories from time to time!
#1 Top-scoring British player in La Liga history
With 80 goals to his name, no British player in La Liga history has scored more league goals than Gareth Bale.
Additionally, Bale is one of seven players in the game's history to score a brace in a Champions League final and is the only Britisher to do so, having recorded two goals as a substitute against Liverpool in 2018.
Also Read: 5 Jadon Sancho alternatives for Manchester United
