Former Spurs director of football Darren Eales has told Mirror Football the inside story of Gareth Bale's record £85million move to Real Madrid.
The Welshman signed for Los Blancos on transfer deadline day in 2013 in what has now been revealed as an incredibly complex deal.
Bale had spent six seasons at Spurs prior to his blockbuster switch, slowly transitioning from left-back to left winger. During his final season in north London, the then-24-year-old scored 26 goals in all competitions.
The Wales star is in his fifth season at Real Madrid, and has already helped his side lift three Champions League trophies, one Copa del Rey and one La Liga title.
Eales is now Atlanta United president but had no problem recalling the transfer that started his hairloss.
"You won’t be surprised but with Daniel Levy involved it was a very complicated deal," began Eales. "He was pushing for every penny.
"I remember a couple of times when it looked like the deal was going to be dead and then we’d resurrect it in the morning. But it was one of the most complicated deals, certainly what I’ve ever been involved in, right down to which currency would be used in the contract.
"It ended being a negotiation on every single point you could think of. It finally got done on transfer Deadline Day… that was when my hair started to go when I was doing that deal.
"The great thing about Daniel is that everything is done for the best of Tottenham. He drives that hard bargain because he wants the best for Spurs.
"To steward the club as he has done now with the new stadium coming and the team in the Champions League, I think it shows his incredible fortitude and foresight.
"Whether it’s against the likes of Chelsea or Manchester City, he has managed to punch above his weight throughout that time period. So, great credit to him."
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