Gareth Bale Comments on Paul Pogba Transfer Fee, Champions League and More

Real Madrid forward Gareth Bale is no longer the most expensive player in football history, and according to the man himself, he "couldn’t care less." 

Manchester United’s capture of Paul Pogba this summer cost a whopping £89 million, surpassing the £85 million paid by Los Blancos to bring Bale to the club in 2013, per BBC Sport.

When asked about losing this particular mantle while away with Wales on international duty, the former Tottenham Hotspur man was nonplussed.

“I’m not fussed, and I couldn't care less,” he said, per Laurie Whitwell of MailOnline. “None of the players have pulled my leg on it.”

Mark Runnacles/Getty Images

Earlier in the year, a report from Carlos Carpio in Marca suggested Real actually paid more to sign Cristiano Ronaldo in 2009 from Manchester United than they did to bring the Welshman to the club.

Pogba’s switch has seemingly blown both deals out of the water. United have parted with a huge amount to re-sign a player they let go for a nominal fee four years ago, although given his quality, age and commercial presence, there’s a sense this deal may represent money well spent by the Red Devils in the long term.

This graphic from Squawka Football provides more intriguing numbers behind the purchase of Pogba, 23, and a look at how his move compared to the other most lucrative deals in the game’s history:

The sole focus for Bale at the moment seems to be more success with Real Madrid. The forward has enjoyed a remarkable three years in the Spanish capital, winning the UEFA Champions League twice and blossoming into one of the most feared players in the world.

The next Champions League final will be staged in Cardiff, where Bale was born. It's something that should provide an extra incentive for the Wales star.

“I suppose there's a little more motivation if there needs to be any more, and we'll be trying to make history in Cardiff,” Bale said. “We know we have a chance, and we will be trying our best to do that. My aim is to win as many trophies as I can and as many Champions Leagues as I can.”

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Despite the money that’s been spent this summer by Premier League clubs on the likes of Pogba, the Madrid man believes something extra is needed to be crowned kings of European football.

“It is difficult winning the Champions League regardless,” he said. “No matter what goes on in the transfer market or how much you spend, you have to perform on those nights.”

Bale has certainly done that since his move to Real. Bleacher Report UK summed up his achievements so far:

While questions have been raised as to whether Pogba warrants the fee United paid for him, it’s worth remembering there were similar questions about Bale. If anything, with titles won with Juventus and a run to the Champions League final in 2014-15 under his belt, the Frenchman is arguably more worthy of a world-record fee than the former Spurs man was.

The transfer—along with the unique pressures of playing for Real Madrid—would have inhibited a lot of footballers, but Bale has been emboldened by it. After all he’s achieved in a relatively short time in Spain, there’s a clear conviction in his words when eyeing more history in the years to come.