Gareth Bale has long been a target of Manchester United but has repeatedly claimed he is happy at Real Madrid

NOT BALE-ING

Gareth Bale reveals he snubbed Manchester United switch to remain at Real Madrid and win more trophies

Wally Downes Jr

Published: 9:47, 12 Sep 2017
Updated: 9:48, 12 Sep 2017

GARETH BALE rejected the chance to become Manchester United’s main man to focus on winning more trophies at Real Madrid.

The Welsh winger has always been linked with Old Trafford as the replacement for Ryan Giggs.

Gareth Bale started Champions League final win over Juventus on benchCredit: EPA

And this summer the speculation heated up with Jose Mourinho openly admitted trying to lure the former Spurs and Southampton man back to the Premier League.

Spanish fans at Madrid were also open to the idea of cashing-in on Bale as they want Isco and superkid Marcos Asensio to play more pivotal roles.

But Bale told the Mail that the chance to step out of the giant Cristiano Ronaldo shadow cast over the Bernabeu was never an option while so much silverware was on the menu.

When asked by Pete Jenson if he understood the idea of swapping medals for main-event status, Bale said: “Well there's an argument for that.

“But I think the main thing, when you look back on your career, is that you look at your trophies.

“In the end that's probably the most important thing.”

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Gareth Bale whips in a free kick during Wales' World Cup qualifier against MoldovaCredit: Reuters

Gareth Bale probes out wide and attempts to whip a cross into the boxCredit: PA:Press Association

Ben Woodburn and Gareth Bale embrace after Wales' 1-0 win over Austria at Cardiff City StadiumCredit: Getty Images

Bale was signed as the long-term replacement for Ronaldo – who looked a goner before his incredible Champions League hat-tricks against Bayern Munich and Atletico Madrid last season made him priceless once again.

The ex-Manchester United man is still the No1 Galacticos but Bale takes no notice of critics who claim that status is a failure on the part of Bale to usurp the 32-year-old super-human.

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Gareth Bale of Real Madrid celebrates with his girlfriend Emma Rhys-Jones and their daughrer Nava ValentinaCredit: EPA

Gareth Bale and his team-mates knew nothing less than victory would do against Austria and producedCredit: PA:Press Association

Gareth Bale is not interested in leaving Real Madrid for Manchester UnitedCredit: Getty - Contributor

He said: “I don't really look into things like that. Some people do, some don't. I'm not too bothered.

“I just want to go out on to the football pitch and enjoy my football.

“I want to do well for myself but I also want to try to help the team and win trophies. Just try to enjoy myself I think. That's the main thing.”

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