Bale originally joined Spurs from Southampton in 2007 before signing for Real for a then world record £85million fee in 2013.

The 31-year-old has since fallen out of favour at the Santiago Bernabeu and has been linked with a return to the Premier League in recent transfer windows.

In a statement, Tottenham confirmed: “We are delighted to announce the return of Gareth Bale to the Club on a season-long loan from Real Madrid. He will wear the No9 shirt.”

Real Madrid said: “Our club wishes the best of luck to a player who is part of one of the most successful periods of our history.”

Speaking to SpursTV, the Wales international admitted that he’s delighted to be playing for Tottenham once again.

Bale said: “It’s nice to be back. It’s such a special club to me. It’s where I made my name. What an amazing club with amazing fans. It’s incredible to be back and hopefully now I can get some match fitness, get underway and really help the team and hopefully get some trophies.

“I always thought when I did leave that one day I would love to come back and the opportunity has now arisen. I feel like it’s a good fit and it’s a good time for me. I’m hungry, I’m motivated and I want to do well for the team. I can’t wait to get started.”

Real have been looking to move Bale on with the forward starting just 12 league games last season as they secured the LaLiga title.

However, in July 2019, Real called off a deal for Bale to join Chinese Super League club Jiangsu Suning because they were chasing a transfer fee for the player. That was despite Zinedine Zidane admitting at the time that a move away would be “best for everyone”.

Spurs bounced back from a 1-0 opening weekend defeat to Everton with a 2-1 victory over Lokomotiv Plovdiv in the Europa League on Thursday.

Tottenham anticipate that Bale ‘will be match fit after October’s international break’ having sustained a knee injury while on international duty earlier this month.

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