Real Madrid’s new world-record signing Gareth Bale has delivered a blow to the Premier League by insisting the Spanish La Liga is the best league in the world.

Welsh star Bale finally sealed a £86million move to the Spanish giants on Sunday night after a protracted saga throughout the summer over his switch from Tottenham.

And in his first interview as a Madrid player, Bale said he believes his new home plays host to the world’s brightest talents.

‘I’m very excited to be here. I think La Liga is the best league in the world,’ Bale told Real Madrid TV.

‘It has the best players playing here and I can’t wait for it to start.’

Real’s bitter rivals Barcelona made a big signing of their own with the £50m capture of Brazilian star Neymar lining up alongside Lionel Messi, with Bale joining former Manchester United star Cristiano Ronaldo at Real.

Bale said he is looking forward to joining up with his new team-mate, insisting that he, not Messi, is the world’s No 1 player.

‘It’s another dream come true for me. I’ve been watching him since he first started at Manchester United,’ said Bale.

‘For me, he’s the best player in the world, it will be a pleasure to play with him. You can only learn off the best and he certainly is that.

‘Hopefully we can both work together and provide more trophies for Real Madrid in a great team.’