Intriguing comments from Real Madrid president Florentino Perez that Gareth Bale is NOT the world’s most expensive player, confirming that Cristiano Ronaldo’s transfer fee was higher.
Speaking on Intereconomia television, Perez was asked by an interviewer if Gareth Bale had been insured for £78m. He replied:
“Yes, sure. It’s a life insurance, against accidents. Bale is insured for the amount he cost.”According to Perez,
By insurance, Perez is not referring to traditional life insurance. He is talking about coverage in case a player picks up a serious medium or long term injury.
But the key part is that sentence was Perez’s assertion that Real Madrid signed Bale for £78m (€91million) from Tottenham. If true, that would mean that Cristiano Ronaldo is still the most expensive player in the world as he cost Real Madrid £80m when they signed him from Manchester United.
Now we will probably never know the real transfer figure, and all other reports have it at around (including Marca) have it at €100m not the €91m that Perez asserts.
So why would he Perez bring this up? I believe its to lower the pressure and expectations on Bale, who is off to a rocky start at the Bernabéu. His drawn out transfer saga meant that he was not fit when Madrid signed him and then he picked up some nagging injuries in his attempt to get fit.
Add in that to pay for Bale, a player that many Madrid fans feel they did not need, the club sold the popular and talented Mesut Ozil to Arsenal. A hugely unpopular move.
So by fudging on the transfer fee, Perez is attempting to lower expectations on Bale. It is not going to work though. Everyone knows what he cost, and that is something that Bale has to live up to on the pitch.
