'I remember having lunch and he’s sulking like a little baby'

Jermain Defoe has recalled when Gareth Bale was "sulking like a little baby" at Tottenham before his move to Real Madrid.

Bale eventually signed for Madrid in September 2013 after a summer of speculation.

Speaking on Defoe & Deeney Football Firsts podcast, Defoe said: "I remember seeing the speculation. Back in the day, agents used to leak stuff, but this one, I though, 'nah that’s genuine'.

"There was also potential with Gareth. When he came, I think Benoit Assou-Ekotto was left-back. He went to the African Cup of Nations and I think that’s why he got his chance. Champions League came around and he just took it to another level.

"We went to Hong Kong. Andre Villas-Boas was the manager. It was documented that the two clubs were trying to agree a fee and he travelled. I’m thinking, 'surely you’d stay at home'.

"You know me, I love winding people up. He’s with the physio, training on his own. He started sulking because at this point he’s probably thinking 'I just want to go to Madrid'.

"I remember having lunch and he’s sulking like a little baby. I said, 'Gaz, what’s wrong with you? You don’t want to eat? Just because you’re going to Madrid, you’re not going to eat? Just come and eat with the lads'.

"I remember every day just looking at him and laughing. You know when your mum’s told you off and you’re sulking, but you want her to know you’re upset? You want a little cuddle or something? He was sitting there wanting everyone to know he was upset.

"I was like, 'Gaz, come on, if it don’t happen just stay here – it’s only Madrid'.

"There was no guarantee it was going to happen. He had to do a pre-season. If it doesn’t happen, you’re a Tottenham player."

Listen to Defoe & Deeney Football Firsts on BBC Sounds