Gareth Bale "used to like Arsenal a lot" prior to Tottenham Hotspur move

Real Madrid star Gareth Bale has revealed that he used to have a big admiration for Arsenal while growing up.

The Welsh international went on to play for the Gunners' North London rivals Tottenham Hotspur after beginning his career at Southampton.

Last summer, Bale became the most expensive player in football history when Madrid purchased his signature for £85m.

During an interview with radio station Cadena Ser, Bale said: "I used to like Arsenal a lot, but when I moved to Tottenham of course I liked them less. But I really liked Thierry Henry and Patrick Vieira, those kinds of players. They were incredible."

Bale has also rejected rumours that he could leave Madrid for a return to the Premier League with Manchester United.