Manchester United's Paul Pogba has since overtaken Bale as the world's most expensive player.

The French midfielder cost Manchester United £89m when he moved last month to Old Trafford from Juventus, a figure surpassing the £85.3m that Real Madrid paid Tottenham for Bale in the summer of 2013.

Since arriving in Spain, the 27-year-old, who is now on global duty with Wales, has won two Champions League titles, the Copa del Rey, the Club World Cup and the UEFA Super Cup.

"The goal for us is qualification, and it's probably the first time we've gone into a group stage with that expectation on us", said Vokes. "None of the players have pulled my leg on it", explained Bale, when asked if his Real Madrid teammates had teased him about now being only the second most expensive player in the world.

"My aim is to win as many trophies as I can, as many Champions Leagues as I can".

"And there's that motivation - if any more was needed - to make history with Real in Cardiff".

Madrid would become the first club to successfully defend their crown under the modern format and it would represent their third triumph in four seasons.

"I'm not fussed and I couldn't care less", he said yesterday.

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Ian Rush is confident Gareth Bale will break his Wales goal-scoring record during the 2018 World Cup qualifying campaign.

"It would be awesome to get there", said Bale. "Not many people get to say they've won it".

"No matter what goes on in the transfer market you have to have a great season to win the Champions League", he concluded.

Gareth Bale of Real Madrid duels for the ball with David Zurutuza of Real Sociedad during the La Liga match between Real Sociedad de Futbol and Real Madrid at Estadio Anoeta on August 21, 2025 in San Sebastian, Spain.

"I scored 28 goals in 73 games but there's more games being played now".

"I am sure if we get closer they will be asking".

"Man City came close last season, making the semi-final against us, and I see no reason why Leicester can't do well".