Gareth Bale is now a Madrid man, but the stories and rumors surrounding his controversial transfer saga are starting to reveal themselves.
According to a number of reports, Manchester United and Paris Saint-German (both rumored to have interest in the midfielder) made substantial bids to land the Welshman.
"According to our sources, the identity of the club who attempted to sign the 24-year-old midfielder is none other than Manchester United, who made an offer close to 150 million euros," wrote Inside Spanish Football. "It was also being reported that Ligue 1 champions Paris Saint Germain had also submitted a summer bid upwards of €100 million, but were met with the same repose from Bale, who only wanted to play at the Santiago Bernabeu."
Madrid ultimately landed Bale for 100 million euros and showcased him in his debut on Saturday against Villarreal. Bale paid immediate dividends for his club as he scored a first-half goal to tie the score at 1-1 prior to halftime.
Early reviews for his performance have ranged from pure praise to some knocks on his lack of rhythm (Bale missed the preseason due to issues with an injury and his former club). There are still some that question whether or not he will be able to handle the slower pace of Spanish soccer, but his team has already come to his defense.
"I think he is happy because scoring the first goal for Real Madrid is very good for him," said Madrid Coach Carlo Ancelotti, according to ESPN. "It was a difficult game for him, as for all the players, but he showed a good attitude on the pitch."