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Bale happy in Madrid after penning new contract

Xinhua, November 1, 2016 Adjust font size:

Gareth Bale on Monday held a press conference to explain his decision to extend his contract with Real Madrid until the end of June 2022.

The new deal will reportedly make Bale the best player at the club (presumably until Cristiano Ronaldo pens his expected new contract) but the 27-year-old Welshman said money was not the reason he was planning to stay so long.

"I extended my contract because I feel very happy. I feel more confident every year and I think we can keep winning titles," he said.

Bale joined Real Madrid in 2013 and after a few difficult beginnings has adapted to life in Spain.

"My life has changed a lot in this time because it has made me grow as a person. I came for a new experience and that's never easy, especially for a British player. I have grown as a player and a person," said Bale.

He said it had been important to react when times had been bad and that the best moments were the two Champions League titles Real Madrid won in 2014 and in 2016, beating Atletico Madrid on both occasions.

Now with the new contract he has also ended rumors of a possible return to England.

"I'm only thinking about Real Madrid and I am very happy to be here. The most important thing is to concentrate on my football. I came to improve and I love it. I made the right decision. I want to keep winning titles and Real Madrid can offer that," explained Bale. Endit