Florentino Pérez: "Welsh boy's dream is coming true"

Real Madrid president Florentino Pérez had these words of praise for Gareth Bale: "We have here an exceptional footballer. He was voted best in the Premiership last season. A Welsh boy's dream is coming true".

"Bale is a young footballer, dedicated to the game and from now on he will be fulfilling one of his biggest dreams which was to become a player for Real Madrid", the president said.

Florentino went on to say that "the negotiations have been complicated, but I would like to thank Tottenham for giving us the chance to bring this player here. Bale's determination and resolution have been key".

Florentino also wanted to send a message about recently deceased ex-Real Madrid player of the fifties, Isidro Sánchez. "Isidro Sánchez has just left us and I would like to remember one of our players, father of another magnificent Real Madrid player Quique Sánchez Flores. My sympathies and affection go out to all his family".