Gareth Bale's name has regularly been mentioned on the back pages of the tabloids regarding a move to Manchester United but the Welsh sensation has spoken about why he's stayed in Spain, in an interview with The Daily Mail.

What's the story?

Ever since his emergence at Tottenham Hotspur, Gareth Bale has regularly been named by the press as Manchester United's 'top-target' and a move for the wing-wizard to Real Madrid, where he's since won three Champions League titles, hasn't quelled the speculation.

Rumours rose again this summer following a varied year for Bale, who clinched another Champions League medal but saw his involvement in the glory limited due to consistent injury problems- which led many to speculate he could be surplus to requirements as Isco and Marco Asensio proved their worth.

Neymar decided to move on to become the king of Paris, leaving Barcelona, and Bale could have reigned supreme at Old Trafford if he elected to seal a move. However, The Daily Mail mentions in an in-depth interview with the Welsh wizard that an exit was never close.

What's been said?

Speaking to The Daily Mail, Bale admitted there's a theory to becoming the star-man elsewhere but stated he wants to be judged on trophies, indicating that he feels his chances of further success at Real Madrid are superior to what he could achieve with Manchester United.

'Well there's an argument for that but I think the main thing, when you look back on your career, is that you look at your trophies. In the end that's probably the most important thing.'

Will he ever return?

Clearly comfortable in Spain, and now 28, Bale's preference would clearly be to remain at the Santiago Bernabeu and push towards legendary status with the Spanish giants. Having been part of a squad that's won three Champions League titles in four years, being an integral part in the victories in 2014 and 2016, it's certainly a possibility.

With Real Madrid regularly linked to big names though, Bale's position within Zinedine Zidane's side isn't perhaps as stable as it would be if he were to move back to the Premier League. However, he does have the benefit of the fact that Karim Benzema seems the most likely to be replaced.

Cristiano Ronaldo turns 33 next year and his importance to Real Madrid is already starting to decline, so Bale has the chance to establish himself as Los Blancos' biggest hero in the coming years- but a return to English football will never be off the cards.