Bale declares Europe hopes

Gareth Bale has refused to rule out moving abroad to further his football career, saying leaving the United Kingdom holds no fears for him.

The Tottenham winger announced himself as one of the young players to watch with a number of reel-ready highlights this season, notably a hat-trick at Inter Milan that set tongues wagging about a possible move to Spain.

Bale is travelling southward on Tuesday but for different reasons, with Spurs set to take on Real Madrid in the first leg of their Champions League quarter-finals.

The Wales international, speaking to Spanish media ahead of the Bernabeu clash, said he can see the benefits of moving overseas in the future.

“You never know (what will happen) but I have no fear about leaving the country,” the 21-year-old told AS.

“If there is a great opportunity then that has to be considered seriously.”

“I left home when I was 15. If I leave the Premier League, learn another language and see another country then I will grow as a person.”

Bale has struggled with a hamstring strain of late and was rested for Spurs’ 0-0 draw with Wigan Athletic at the weekend as a precaution.

But the Welshman said he is raring to go against Real and is particularly excited about facing Cristiano Ronaldo, assuming the Portuguese ace recovers from his own hamstring injury in time.

“We are looking forward to it, we know both teams can play,” Bale said.

“They are a fantastic team, I have seen them almost every week for years – I love the Spanish League, but we know how to win.”

“I see Cristiano, what he does – and sometimes a sideways pass is the best option. I see him, his power and speed, when I see him do things I am looking to repeat them.”