Michael Laudrup advises Gareth Bale to snub Real Madrid

Dec 15, 2012 7:45:00 AM

The Swansea boss has warned the Spurs winger that a move to La Liga might not be in the Welshman's best interests, insisting he will find it hard to adjust to their style of play

Swansea manager Michael Laudrup has warned Tottenham sensation Gareth Bale that a move to Real Madrid or Barcelona might not be in the 23-year-old's best interests.

The winger signed a contract extension in the summer, keeping him at the clubWhite Hart Lane until 2016. However, this has not stopped mounting speculation that Bale will move to one of the two La Liga giants next summer.

But Laudrup, himself a former Barcelona and Real Madrid player, has told Bale to think carefully about the next step in his career. He told reporters:

“As a top player, when you have a possibility to go to the other teams, it’s very important to think what would be best and where would I fit in.

AVB: BALE IS NOT A DIVER

“You have to realise that playing in Barcelona and Madrid is completely different to playing in the Premier League.

“The football is totally different. There is no space to play. Everybody defends with 10 against you, in the last third of the pitch, home or away.

“There is nowhere to run, so that part of his play would have to go away in a lot of games.

“Everything is one-touch and move.”

Bale's reputation in Europe grew in 2010, when Tottenham finally achieved fourth spot under former manager Harry Redknapp. Following impressive displays against Inter, FC Twente and AC Milan two years ago, Bale's ability has continued to grow as he terrorises defences and tries to baffle goalkeepers.

However, Laudrup recognises that a move to Madrid for the Wales international will mean he is unlikely to play on the left wing.

He continued: “If you go to Real Madrid, you have to say ‘what is my favourite position?’

“If it is on the left, that is where Ronaldo plays. So where would Bale play?”

Bale is, however, unlikely to face Laudrup's side on Sunday when Spurs and Swansea meet, remaining on the sidelines following a hamstring injury he picked up in Tottenham's 3-0 win at Fulham.

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