Former Tottenham manager Andre Villas‑Boas has revealed how he played a key role in helping Gareth Bale secure his move to Real Madrid, despite strong interest from Man United at the time.Tottenham Hotspur have seen several of their top talents poached by Europe’s elite clubs over the years.Real Madrid are no strangers to this, having secured the services of Gareth Bale and Luka Modric in 2013 and 2012, respectively. Both players, already elite at Tottenham, went on to become world-class – Modric eventually winning a Ballon d’Or, while Bale collected 19 trophies in Madrid, including five Champions League titles.Photo by Laurence Griffiths/Getty ImagesAndre Villas-Boas reveals role in Gareth Bale’s transfer from Tottenham to Real MadridFormer Tottenham boss Andre Villas-Boas, who was head coach at the time of Bale’s switch in 2013, has now opened up on the role he played in helping the Welshman complete his move.Bale was not short of options after a stellar final season at Tottenham, scoring 26 goals in 2012-13.His time at Spurs was filled with accolades, including being named PFA Player of the Year in 2011 and 2013, completing the treble of PFA Player, PFA Young Player and Football Writers’ Footballer of the Year in 2013, and earning three consecutive inclusions in the PFA Team of the Year between 2010 and 2013.Such an impressive run also caught the attention of Manchester United, who were rebuilding after Alex Ferguson’s departure under David Moyes. United were keen, as were Madrid, leaving Bale with a decision to make – and Villas-Boas has now revealed how he helped him choose.Speaking on the Obionepodcast, he said: “Gareth Bale had the offer from Real Madrid. I remember Man United called in the last minute because Daniel Levy came to my office.“They were paying 120, and Gareth did not want to go; he wanted to go to Real Madrid.“For me, it was indifferent – we were in Hong Kong during the pre-season. Gareth was protecting himself because he really wanted this transfer to happen. Real Madrid were pushing a lot.“I remember at the end of the Asia tour, after the game, he was in the physio room. I went to his physio bed, picked up my pen, and wrote ‘Real Madrid’ and ‘Man United’ – which one. And he chose. He chose wisely.”Villas-Boas added: “Without disrespect, but he really wanted that move. I think Real Madrid is the winner of all Champions Leagues – he contributed decisively to winning those titles. It was a difficult decision, but acceptable. David Moyes also wanted him, but Gareth ended up making a good choice. Either of them would have been great choices for sure.” View this post on Instagram A post shared by The Obi One Podcast (@obionepodcast)Gareth Bale’s legacy and Spurs’ strugglesLooking at everything Bale achieved in Spain, it is hard to argue against his decision to join Real Madrid.The Welshman won 19 trophies with Los Blancos, including five Champions League titles, making him one of the most decorated Welsh player in history.Manchester United, meanwhile, never truly recovered from Ferguson’s departure and have struggled to win silverware without the legendary coach consistently.Bale would then return to Tottenham under Jose Mourinho and would impress in a few games, but it was evident his best years were behind him.For Tottenham, they are yet to find the next Gareth Bale – a player capable of deciding games single-handedly, as the Welshman did during his early career in north London.Liverpool legend Steven Gerrard has suggested that the lack of players in the mould of Bale, Harry Kane and Heung-min Son is one reason behind Tottenham’s struggles.Spurs currently sit bottom of the Premier League table after five games, having scored just two goals – their worst-ever start to a Premier League season.READ MORE: Tottenham’s foul and tackling numbers tell a very different story to their resultsThe post Andre Villas-Boas reveals Tottenham nearly got £125m off Man United in 2013 appeared first on Spurs Web.