• Week in Words

'He's a spineless coward'

Former NBA star Dennis Rodman reveals an unexpected friendship he has © AP

Enlarge

This week's collection of quotes see Gareth Bale finally land his dream move to Real Madrid, an unexpected friendship emerging, and Zlatan Ibrahimovic revealing a few home truths.

"Hello, it's a dream for me to play for Real Madrid. Thank you for the great welcome. Go Madrid!"
Gareth Bale speaks in Spanish at his Real unveiling, which we have translated into English for you.

"I am very excited to see him in the flesh and play with him"
Theo Walcott won't be the only one at Arsenal excited to see Mesut Ozil wear the shirt of the Gunners.

"I'm going to North Korea to meet my friend, Kim. It's a friendly gesture"
Possibly the most unexpected friendship in modern day sport - former NBA star Dennis Rodman and North Korea leader Kim Jong Un.

"If I want to be among the greats of Ali and Pele and all these guys I have to continue dominating until I retire"
Usain Bolt plans to retire after the 2016 Olympics - but has plenty of plans between now and then.

"I'm not saying the men work harder than the women, but, if you have to train to play five sets, it's a longer distance. It's like someone training to be a 400m runner and someone training to be a 600m runner"
We're sure Andy Murray runs more than 400 metres per match.

"You might have expected Guardiola to say a few words in response, but he's a spineless coward"
We're guessing Pep Guardiola won't be buying Zlatan Ibrahimovic's new autobiography then.

"I think if I didn't take it I would probably regret it for the rest of my life"
Surely everyone knows that Real Madrid's latest recruit Gareth Bale wanted to stay at Tottenham. Surely? No?

For more of ESPN's favourite quotes from the sporting world, visit our Quote/Unquote section.

Download ESPN's new UK sport app, a fresh and powerful new way to follow your favourite UK sports news, scores and video.

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd