Bale says would consider playing outside England

MADRID (Reuters) -- Gareth Bale has not ruled out leaving the English Premier League and playing in another country, the Tottenham Hotspur winger was quoted as saying on Monday.

The Wales international has turned in some brilliant performances in this season's Champions League, including a hat-trick at holders Inter Milan in October.

He has been linked with some of Europe's top clubs, including Real Madrid and Barcelona, but last month signed a new four-and-a-half-year contract with Tottenham through to 2015.

As the Premier League side prepare for Tuesday's Champions League quarter-final first leg at Real, Bale was asked in an interview with Spanish sports daily As whether the new contract was a sign of loyalty to the north London club.

"You never know but I am not scared about leaving the country," he said.

"If a great opportunity comes along then you have to consider it seriously.

"I left home when I was 15. If I leave the Premier League, learn another language and see another country then I will grow as a person."

The winners of the quarter-final will play 2009 champions Barcelona or Shakhtar Donetsk of Ukraine in the semi-finals.