ZICO:'BALE MOVE WAS FOR CAREER'

Former Brazil star Zico has told British journalists that Gareth Bale's only reason to move to Real Madrid was to strengthen his career.

Bale,24,joined the Spanish giants on Sunday night for a world record fee of £85,000,000.He was unveiled as a Real Madrid player in front of the fans on Monday.

Welshman Bale joined Spurs in 2007 as an 18-year-old trainee from Southampton.After being developed with the Wales U21 team,Bale became a well-known face in Europe and attracted attention this summer.

Speaking to newspapers,Zico said,'It is not a big move for him,but more of a career-enhancing one.To play for Real Madrid and yet alone any other massive club in Europe,you have to perform above expectations and constantly look to improve.'

'I feel that Bale has deserved a move away from England and embrace a challenge elsewhere,to say few English players of his attribute have played abroad for big clubs.'

Bale has signed a six-year-deal with Madrid,keeping him in Spain until at least 2019.