Madrid keeps Bale on roster for 115 million euros
Gareth Bale will join the ranks of international superstars Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi as one of the highest-paid footballers in the world. The Welsh winger has extended his contract with the Spanish club for six more years, solidifying his position as one of the highest paid footballers in the world.
Issued on:
Bale will take home well over 150 million euros over the next six years in salaries and bonuses.
This is more than the estimated 320,000 euros a week that teammate Cristiano Ronaldo earns at the club, although the Portuguese is expected to remain the world’s most expensive player when he renews his contract with Madrid in the upcoming weeks, as expected.
The negotiations to extend Bale’s contract took place over the course of several months. Real and Bale’s agent, Jonathan Barnett, reached an agreement a few weeks ago.
Bale joined the Barnabeu in 2013, when the club paid a then world-record transfer fee of 95 million euros to acquire him.
50 goals in 90 league appearances
During his three years at the club, the Welshman has won two Champions League trophies.
He has scored 50 goals in 90 league appearances.
Bale did get flak from Real fans, however, for failing to take home La Liga’s final trophy last season. He led the team on a 12-game winning streak, only to lose the title by just a point.
'Biggest club in the world'
"I think I definitely made the right decision. It's Real Madrid, it is the biggest club in the world," Bale told the world's media on Monday at a press conference to announce the new deal.
"When an opportunity to play for Real Madrid comes up, you don't turn it down."
Daily newsletterReceive essential international news every morning
Subscribe