Gareth Bale says he would leave Tottenham and the Premier League if the right offer came in

Tottenham's Gareth Bale would 'seriously consider' European move

Tottenham winger Gareth Bale would 'seriously consider' playing in Europe if the right opportunity arose.

Poised: Gareth Bale believes his Tottenham side have the ability to spring a Champions League surprise against Real Madrid Photo: AFP

By Telegraph staff and agencies 11:23AM BST 04 Apr 2011

Bale has been catapulted into the limelight following some impressive performances with Spurs this season, not least his stunning Champions League hat-trick against Inter Milan at the San Siro in October.

Subsequently a host of big-name clubs have been linked with a move for the Welshman, including the likes of Inter and Spanish giants Barcelona and Real Madrid, but the 21-year-old recently committed himself to Spurs by penning a new four-and-a-half year contract.

However, that does not mean Bale is not willing to try his hand at playing abroad further down the line, with the former Southampton player telling Spanish daily AS: "You never know, but I'm not afraid to leave the country.

"If a great opportunity arises you need to seriously consider it. I left home at 15. If I leave the Premier League, I'll learn another language, I'll know other people, another country, I will grow as a person.

"There aren't more British players abroad because the league is very strong, but now yours (the Spanish league) has got Cristiano (Ronaldo), (Lionel) Messi ..."

When asked about being linked with clubs such as Barca and Madrid, Bale said: "I try not to think about that. My team-mates joke a lot about my future, but I don't give it any thought.

"I'm playing the best football of my career at Tottenham.

"You know what? It seems like they are talking about another player when they say what I could cost and the clubs who are interested in me."

BALE ON:

Tottenham's Champions League chances:
"We're all really looking forward to the game. We sincerely believe that over the two games we can get through."

Real Madrid:
"They are a fantastic team, I've seem them almost every week for years, I love the Spanish league. But we know how to beat them. "Madrid play on the counter and the three players up front have a lot of quality. Mourinho has them well-organised, Xabi Alonso always knows what the game needs. A draw at the Bernabeu would be very good."

Harry Redknapp:
Training with him is like playing in the street. He wants us to do what we do and as a result it benefits the team. Harry allows us to express ourselves freely and that is what has led us to the level we are now.

Who he will swaps shirts with at the Bernabeu:
I have asked Giggs before and on Tuesday I will ask for Cristiano’s [Ronaldo]. I admire him: we are similar players in terms of physical power and speed. I see him do things and I would like to repeat.

Hat-trick at Inter and moving clubs:
I try not to think about it – my team mates jokes a lot about my future but you know what? I always think they must be talking about someone else when people discuss the clubs that want me and the prices they will pay.
Telegraph.feedsportal.com