Tottenham legend Jurgen Klinsmann says he would understand if Gareth Bale left in the summer.

The USA coach says he left Spurs back in 1995 to play in the Champions League.

"My reason for leaving the Spurs was only to play on a bigger stage," he said. "That's why I left the Spurs for Bayern Munich many years ago. I wanted to play top European football.

"That might be the risk now with Gareth. But I hope they make it happen, qualify for the Champions League and play Champions League next season and can keep Gareth Bale at White Hart Lane. That is my big hope."