Gareth Bale and “world record transfer fee” no longer have to share the same sentence.
The exact amount Real Madrid paid Tottenham Hotspur for Bale has been shrouded in secrecy since last month’s blockbuster transfer. On Tuesday, Real Madrid president Florentino Perez revealed Bale’s transfer fee and, in the process, confirmed that Cristiano Ronaldo remains the most expensive player in soccer history.
FIFA.com reports Perez told Spanish television channel Intereconomia that Bale is insured for €91 million ($123 million, £78 million) — the full value of his transfer fee.
“Yes, sure,” Perez said when asked if the figure was accurate. “It’s a life insurance, against accidents. Bale is insured for the amount he cost.”
When Bale joined the Spanish soccer giant in September, it was widely reported that Real Madrid paid €100 million ($132 million, £84.5 million) for him, but neither Real Madrid nor Tottenham would reveal the exact figure. Three weeks later, Perez told Spanish radio station Cadena SER that the reported amount was inaccurate, without disclosing the actual fee. It appears that he finally came clean Tuesday, albeit perhaps unintentionally.
Real Madrid is currently trying to counter press reports, saying Bale is suffering from a herniated disc in his back. The injury has limited the Welsh star to just one game. On Sept. 15, Bale scored in his Real Madrid debut but he hasn’t played since. Perez says the thigh injury Bale suffered during preseason is the real problem, and the 24-year-old hopes to play as soon as Saturday.
In 2009, Real Madrid paid Manchester United €94 million ($128 million, £80 million) for Ronaldo. The Portuguese superstar is Real Madrid’s on-field leader and highest-paid player. Perez has been adamant that Bale did not cost more than Ronaldo. Insurance documents could prove that to be true … should Perez show them to the public.
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