Thousands turn out to see Gareth Bale sign on the dotted line as the world's most expensive footballer

Gareth Bale finally signed the £83.5million contract that made him the most expensive footballer ever in front of a stadium packed to the rafters with adoring Real Madrid fans.

But despite the adulation - not to mention weekly pay packet worth £256,000 - the quiet lad from Cardiff is expected to still prefer nights in with his family watching a DVD than hitting the Spanish capital's many exclusive nightspots.

In broken Spanish, the £85.3million player told a near 85,000 capacity stadium: 'It's a dream to be here and to play for Real Madrid. I appreciate this welcome.'