Source: Daily_Mail
Tottenham's Gareth Bale admits he could join Barcelona or Real Madrid
Tottenham winger Gareth Bale has not ruled out one day plying his trade in another country if a 'great opportunity' was presented to him. [LNB]Bale has been catapulted into the limelight following some impressive performances with Spurs this season, not least his stunning Champions League hat-trick against Inter Milan at the San Siro in October. [LNB]Subsequently a host of big-name clubs have been linked with a move for the Welshman, including the likes of Inter and Spanish giants Barcelona and Real Madrid, but the 21-year-old recently committed himself to Spurs by penning a new four-and-a-half year contract. [LNB]Redknapp believes Bale is key to unlocking Madrid in Champions League clash[LNB] Making his name: Bale (right) has lit up Europe this year with some sensational performances, notably in running ragged last year's Champions League winners Inter Milan in their two group games [LNB]However, that does not mean Bale is not willing to try his hand at playing abroad further down the line, with the former Southampton player telling Spanish daily AS: 'You never know, but I'm not afraid to leave the country. [LNB]'If a great opportunity arises you need to seriously consider it. I left home at 15. If I leave the Premier League, I'll learn another language, I'll know other people, another country, I will grow as a person. [LNB]'There aren't more British players abroad because the league is very strong, but now yours (the Spanish league) has got Cristiano (Ronaldo), (Lionel) Messi...'[LNB] When asked about being linked with clubs such as Barca and Madrid, Bale said: 'I try not to think about that. My team-mates joke a lot about my future, but I don't give it any thought. [LNB] Pulling power: Bale is tempted by playing in La Liga with the likes of Messi (left) and Ronaldo (right)[LNB] 'I'm playing the best football of my career at Tottenham. [LNB]'You know what? It seems like they are talking about another player when they say what I could cost and the clubs who are interested in me.'[LNB] Bale could get a chance to further enhance his burgeoning reputation on the continent when Spurs face Madrid in the quarter-finals of the Champions League on Tuesday night. [LNB]The Wales winger sat out the 0-0 draw against Wigan on Saturday with a nagging hamstring strain which also caused him to miss the defeat by England in a Euro 2012 qualifier. [LNB]But Harry Redknapp's decision to wrap Bale in cotton wool looks like it will pay dividends with the midfielder now looking likely to be passed fit for Spurs' biggest match in a generation.[LNB] Optimist: Bale insists Spurs can conquer Real Madrid in their Champions League quarter-final [LNB]Madrid have conquered Europe a record nine times while Spurs have only once before been involved in the competition, but despite that Bale is optimistic his side can dump out Jose Mourinho's men. [LNB]'We're all really looking forward to the game. We sincerely believe that over the two games we can get through,' said Bale, who is facing a race to be fit for the first leg at the Bernabeu.[LNB] 'They are a fantastic team, I've seem them almost every week for years, I love the Spanish league. But we know how to beat them. [LNB]'Madrid play on the counter and the three players up front have a lot of quality. Mourinho has them well-organised, Xabi Alonso always knows what the game needs. A draw at the Bernabeu would be very good.'[LNB]And Bale freely admits his admiration for the giants from the Bernabeu. 'I grew up watching and admiring Zidane, Figo, Ronaldo. And yes, the club has an incredible aura,' he said.[LNB]'We are talking about the best club in the world. Real Madrid has a history, identity, glamour. As a youngster I used to try and copy things that Ronaldo or Zidane or Beckham did at the Bernabeu, like the Zidane turn, without falling over.'[LNB] Boost for Spurs as Redknapp reveals Bale should be fit to face MadridTower of trouble! Crouch promises cocky Carvalho a tough night in SpainMadrid are the Real deal: Redknapp admits Spurs are 'massive underdogs' All the latest Tottenham Hotspur FC news, features and opinion [LNB] Explore more:People: Xabi Alonso, Harry Redknapp, Gareth Bale, Jose Mourinho Places: Madrid, Barcelona, United Kingdom, Wales, Europe
