As Gareth Bale was paraded inside the Bernabeu under scrutiny from around 20,000 Real Madrid supporters, he had a chance to reflect on what it meant to be the world's most expensive player.
The Welshman was signed belatedly from Tottenham Hotspur in a deal worth £85.3m, finalising a six-year contract in Madrid yesterday.
He was treated to the grand Madrid tradition of performing keepie-uppies on a stage in front of a live audience but later seemed unperturbed by the price tag which seemed to have been hanging out of the collar of his new shirt. "The [fee] had nothing to do with me - that's between Real Madrid and Tottenham," said the attacker. "I wanted to come here whether it was for a penny or whatever it cost.
"It's a very surreal situation, even when I was doing my keepy-ups I was very nervous. To be in front of the fans who made me feel very welcome was a privilege and I can't wait to get started."
The fee has caused Bale to replace team-mate Cristiano Ronaldo as the most expensive player
in the world, although the Wales internationalist was reluctant to compare himself to the feted Madrid forward. "He's already proved he's the best in the world," said Bale.
Madrid last night intimated that they hope their new signing can help lead the club to a record 10th European this season - something of an obsession of the Spanish club in recent years - but AC Milan will also intend to make their mark in the Champions League. The Italian club yesterday agreed a deal to bring Kaka back after a four-year stay at Madrid, with the Brazilian playmaker now expected to feature against Celtic in the group stages.
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