Follow Sportsmail's live coverage from Spain as Gareth Bale is unveiled as the signing of the century at Real Madrid.
The stage is set in the Bernabeu and the moment has finally arrived for the £86million superstar to join the illustrious list of Galacticos.
A long summer of negotiations has come to a close and the Welshman has signed a £256,000-a-week, six-year contract - that's £1,520 an hour.
Nik Simon
Host commentator
12:44
Gareth Bale addresses the media
Bale produces a bit of magic with a couple of lines in Spanish.
That has them eating out of his hand.
In English: 'Hello. I just want to say that it's absolutely amazing to be here; a dream come true and I hope I can help the team bring success to the club and hopefully bring a tenth Euro title.'
12:39
Real Madrid president Florentino Perez delivers his words
Bale is head-phoned up and listening to a translation of a speech by Real Madrid president Florentino Perez.
Perez starts with tribute to Isidro Sanchez who died recently.
'Challenges are constant at RM even after victory but never forget the energy of this stadium will be your ally.
'Many great players have played here and you will be one of their heirs.
'We always want to ad the best players in the world. That is one of our identity traits and that is what made RM according to FIFA the best club in the 20th Century.
'Gareth Bale, this is your stadium, this is your shirt, this is your field and these are your fans. From now on this is your home. Welcome to your team. Welcome to Real Madrid.'
Real star: Gareth Bale inside the Bernabeu for his unveiling
12:16
Still don't believe it? The contract has been signed!
Gareth Bale has signed his contract.
It's £256,000 a week, which breaks down to £1,520 an hour or £25.33 a minute.
Happy days, Bale!
Done deal: Gareth Bale signs his new contract with Real Madrid
12:11
What's the Spanish for Gareth Bale? Sportsmail's Pete Jenson finds out...
First chants of Gareth Bale - pronounced Ga-reth Bail-ey from inside the stadium. Response to images shown on big screen of Bale signing autographs outside the stadium.
12:10
How many supporters have turned out? Sportsmail's Matt Barlow reports
OK we’re into the second tier at the Bernabeu. If they wait long enough, it will rival the 80,000 who turned out to hail the signing of Cristiano Ronaldo. At a guess, there are about 25,000 fans inside, waiting for Bale. It will be like a Europa League group game for him.
Shirt seller: Gareth Bale merchandise on sale outside the Bernabeu
12:07
What's he wearing for the big introduction?
He's in the underbelly of the stadium and the supporters in the stands are being made to wait as the anticipation builds.
Bale has already arrive in the Bernabeu wearing a plush cream jacket with navy trousers but we expect him to change into the full white strip.
12:04
Gareth Bale is ready to come out...
It's a moment of footballing history.
The world's most expensive player is moments away from being introduced to the adoring Spanish crowd.
12:01
Gary Lineker on Bale's switch to Spain
Gary Lineker once made the switch to Spain (many moons ago) and he's shared his thoughts on the Welshman's move.
He told Radio Five Live: 'It's whether he's got the mental strength to be able to cope with such a big move and the spotlight that will be immense on him over there in Spain.
'Because it is different, it's huge and it's whether he can cope with that.'
Trademark: Gareth Bale has become such a hit that he has trademarked his celebration
11:57
It's nearly time for the show to start, Sportsmail's Matt Barlow reports
They’re now showing footage of the Maicon destruction and the ground’s filling up a bit. One fan holding a “Welcome Gareth” banner on day-glo orange card. And a Mexican wave lapping around the lower tier of the stadium.
11:55
Spare a thought for Tottenham...
Andre Villas-Boas has recruited heavily to ease the loss of Gareth Bale.
Many believe they are going to be a better outfit this season, but they will still miss the Welshman's spark of brilliance at the crucial moment.
At least you can get his old Spurs shirt on the cheap in north London.
Shirt anyone? Bale shirts are being put on the 'Sale Rail'
11:50
Real Madrid-Barcelona rivalry on show in the Bernabeu, reports Sportsmail's Pete Jenson
'Puta Barca' sing the Madrid supporters inside the stadium. Nothing to do with Bale and not very complementary to Barcelona either.
11:48
Remember the first sight of Cristiano Ronaldo at the Bernabeu in 2009?
His swagger down the catwalk has become an iconic image and today promises to be just as big.
The 24-year-old Welshman is ready to become the most expensive footballer in history.
Showstopper: Ronaldo is introduced to the Real Madrid supporters following his move from Man United in 2009
11:42
Sportsmail's Pete Jenson comments on the flags inside the Bernabeu
First sighting of the Welsh flag among the 20,000 strong crowd. 25 minutes left to kick-off. Mexican wave has started. And stopped thankfully.
Not too many Welsh flags: Fans gather inside the Bernabeu ahead of the eagerly anticipated ceremony
11:33
Health report: How did Gareth Bale fare in his medical?
Real Madrdid have posted this on their website: 'The new Real Madrid player passed the tests he underwent in the Hospital Sanitas La Moraleja.
'Gareth Bale went to the Hospital Sanitas La Moraleja, where he underwent medical examination prior to his move to Real Madrid.
'The player passed the tests successfully and then went to the Bernabeu to sign his contract.
'The footballer arrived at hospital around 0930 (CET). There he conducted various medical tests: blood and urine analysis, electrocardiogram, echocardiogram, MRI, radiological and biomechanical study, clinical examination in the musculoskeletal and cardiorespiratory examination.'
Thumbs up: Gareth Bale arriving in Spain late last night ahead of the big move
11:27
Sportsmail's Matt Barlow shares his observations from inside the Bernabeu
Bernabeu is far from full. Fans are still filing in and there's just over 30 minutes to go but Real may have over-estimated the stewarding requirements for the presentation of the world's most expensive footballer. Lots of media here, mind you.
Golden ticket: One fan shows off his ticket for the Gareth Bale unveiling
11:23
'Boyhood dreams'. Sportsmail's Matt Barlow comments on the young pictures of Bale in the Bernabeu
Inside the Bernabeu and there's have a grainy old photo of the world's most expensive footballer wearing a RM shirt, aged about 12 and doing the peace sign with his fingers.
It has pride of place on the stage where he will be presented, alongside a giant photo of him in action for Wales.
It has been noticeable in the Spanish papers during the past week or so that images of Bale in a Spurs kit have dwindled and most pictures have been used with him playing for Wales.
Boyhood dream: Gareth Bales claims he is joining the club he supported as a kid
11:17
There's plenty of time yet for shirt sales. Sportsmail's Matt Barlow in Madrid:
Random poll of Real Madrid shirts seen in last 10 minutes from by roadside vantage point near the Bernabeu.
Isco: 2
Ronaldo: 8
Alonso: 2
Guti: 1
Modric: 1
Raul: 1
Sergio Ramos: 1
Ozil: 2
I might need a better vantage point.
11:14
Long queues outside the Bernabeu, reports Sportsmail's Matt Barlow from Madrid
Queues forming in the sunshine outside the Bernabeu but the radio station in my cab was all chat about Neymar.
Seen "Bale" scarves on sale but still waiting for my first sighting of a "Bale" shirt. Not really the weather for a scarf, to be honest.
Galactico: Real Madrid welcome Gareth Bale on the club's official website
11:10
BALE HAS PASSED HIS MEDICAL
Real Madrid have just confirmed on their Twitter account that the Welshman has passed his medical (phew) and been given the all clear for the grand unveiling.
We're expecting it all to kick off at midday UK time.
11:07
GARETH BALE JOINS REAL MADRID!
It's been the football story of the summer and it's time for the fanfare in Spain as Real Madrid prepare to unveil their new world-record signing.
Sportsmail have got our reporters live in the Bernabeu and we'll be bringing you all the action from Madrid as it takes place.
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