Ambitious Bale signs new Tottenham contract

Gareth Bale has extended his stay at Tottenham Hotspur FC after signing a new four-and-a-half year contract.

The 21-year-old Welsh international, who arrived from Southampton FC in May 2007, has been rewarded for an impressive campaign in which he has helped the north Londoners reach the last eight of Europe's elite club competition. He has scored four goals in seven UEFA Champions League appearances, including a memorable hat-trick at FC Internazionale Milano on Matchday 3.

"Gareth is now one of the top left-sided players in the world, he really is an amazing talent and can only get better," said Tottenham manager Harry Redknapp. "He is a smashing lad as well which is equally as important.‬ He has got his whole future ahead and he has everything going for him."

Bale, whose side have been drawn to face Real Madrid CF in the quarter-finals, added: "It is great to commit to this club and hopefully we can achieve what we believe we can with this squad. I definitely believe we can challenge for a title very soon. That is why I have signed.

"Every year as a minimum we are aiming to qualify for the Champions League so we are definitely going in the right direction. We have proven in the Champions League this season that we can compete with the best and we are in the last eight now and there is no reason we can't go further this season and in years to come."

Tottenham take on José Mourinho's charges at the Santiago Bernabéu Stadium on 5 April before hosting Madrid in the return leg eight days later.