Gareth Bale unfazed by losing record tag to Paul Pogba

London (AFP) – Real Madrid star Gareth Bale claimed he doesn’t care about losing the tag of the world’s most expensive player to Manchester United midfielder Paul Pogba.

Bale’s three-year reign as the most costly player in the world ended when France international Pogba joined United from Juventus for £89 million ($118 million, 105 million euros) last month.

That fee surpassed the £85.3 million Real Madrid paid Tottenham to sign Wales forward Bale in 2013.

But Bale has no problem with letting Pogba hold the record tag.

“I’m not fussed and I couldn’t care less,” he said on Thursday. “None of the players have pulled my leg on it.”

Bale was speaking at a UEFA Champions League gala dinner to launch the ‘Road to Cardiff’, with the 2017 final being held in his home city at the Millennium Stadium.

The 27-year-old would become only the sixth player to win the European Cup or Champions League in his home city should Madrid successfully defend the trophy they won for a record extending 11th time in May.

The previous five players to do so are Enrique Mateos (in Madrid with Real Madrid, 1957), Miguel Munoz (in Madrid with Real Madrid, 1957), Alex Stepney (in London with Manchester United, 1968), Angelo di Livio (in Rome with Juventus, 1996) and Nicolas Anelka (in Paris with Real Madrid, 2000).

“We know the final is in Cardiff and it would be amazing to get there,” Bale added.

“I haven’t been asked (about Cardiff) yet but the players have had experience of Wales and the weather from the Super Cup. I am sure if we get closer they will be asking.”