GARETH BALE sent a message to Manchester United fans as he opened up over his failed transfer.
The football icon, 35, became one of the game’s top stars during a six-year stint at
stunning final season form, which saw him net 26 goals while being crowned Player of the Year, secured a then-record £89million move to Real Madrid in 2013.
And the Wales legend saw his trophy cabinet finally fill up with three LaLiga titles and FIVE Champions Leagues in eight campaigns.
But things could have gone differently had Bale ended up at instead.
The forward was first linked with a Red Devils switch in 2007 when he was still at Southampton.
Bale ended up moving to Tottenham instead, and once again was linked with United when he departed for Real in 2013.
Now, the ace has opened up on why he never moved to Old Trafford.
Speaking ahead of , Bale explained that Sir Alex Ferguson’s exit played a big role in his decision to join Real instead.
And he has no regrets over his choice, telling talkSPORT: “It was a couple of times I was close to joining but it never quite materialised.
“I think the closest was when I actually joined Madrid. It was between United and Real, and at the time Fergie had left, so it didn’t quite have that aura.
“I think the team was ageing a little bit so I felt like I’d always had my heart set on Madrid anyway.
– EUROPA LEAGUE FINAL LIVE
“I feel like I made the right decision in the end, not to be horrible to Man Utd fans, I feel I made the right choice.
Bale, who retired in January 2023 after a stint with MLS side LAFC, added: “I think it would have definitely been a bigger factor (if Fergie had stayed).
“Having such a legendary manager, somebody with that kind of pedigree who you kind of trust with your career.
“It definitely would have made the decision a lot harder but ultimately he wasn’t (staying), so it was more of a simple decision for me.”;;
