Gareth Bale was arguably the greatest ever player from Wales alongside Ryan Giggs to grace the football pitch. The 33-year-old has now announced his retirement from professional football, both at the club and international levels.
Bale is a Real Madrid legend having won the Champions League trophy for a record 5 times. He formed the famous BBC trio alongside Cristiano Ronaldo and Karim Benzema. However, his stay at Real Madrid was marred by injuries but he has gifted many beautiful football nights to the Los Blancos fan and will always remain a legend of the Spanish club.
He joined Real Madrid from Tottenham Hotspurs and was currently playing for MLS club Los Angeles FC after leaving Real Madrid in the summer of 2022. Gareth Bale led Wales to their first World Cup in 64 years and played in the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022.
After having a dream football career, Gareth Bale has now decided to call the curtains on his professional football career.
BREAKING: Real Madrid legend Gareth Bale retires from professional football
— Gareth Bale (@GarethBale11) January 9, 2023
Gareth Bale wrote on Twitter: “After careful and thoughtful consideration, I announce my immediate retirement from club and international football.”
“I feel incredibly fortunate to have realised my dream of playing the sport I love. It has truly given me some of the best moments of my life. The highest of highs over 17 seasons, that will be impossible to replicate, no matter what the next chapter has in store for me.”
From my very first touch at Southampton to my last with LAFC and everything in between, shaped a club career that I have an immense pride and gratitude for. Playing for and captaining my country 111 times has truly been a dream come true.”
“To show my gratitude to all of those that have played their part along this journey, feels like an impossibility. I feel indebted to many people for helping to change my life and shape my career in a way I couldn’t have ever dreamed of when I first started out at 9 years old.”
“To my previous clubs, Southampton, Tottenham, Real Madrid and finally LAFC. All of my previous managers and coaches, back room staff, team mates, all the dedicated fans, my agents, my amazing friends and family, the impact you have had is immeasurable.”
“My parents and my sister, without your dedication in those early days, without such a strong foundation, I wouldn’t be writing this statement right now, so thank you for putting me on this path and for your unwavering support.”
My wife and my children, your love and support has carried me through. Right beside me for all the highs and lows, keeping me grounded along the way. You inspire me to be better, and to make you proud.”
“So, I move on with anticipation to the next stage of my life. A time of change and transition, an opportunity for a new adventure…”
Gareth Bale further tweeted for his Welsh family, which read: “To my Welsh family,
My decision to retire from International football has been, by far the hardest of my career.”
“How do I describe what being a part of this country and team means to me? How do I articulate the impact it has had on my life? How do I put in to words the way I felt, every single time I put on that Welsh shirt? My answer is that I couldn’t possibly do any of those things justice, simply with words. But I know that every person involved in Welsh football, feels the magic, and is impacted in such a powerful and unique way, so I know you feel what I feel, without using any words at all.”
“My journey on the international stage is one that has changed not only my life but who I am. The fortune of being Welsh and being selected to play for and captain Wales, has given me something incomparable to anything else I’ve experienced. I am honoured and humbled to have been able to play a part in the history of this incredible country, to have felt the support and passion of the red wall, and together have been to unexpected and amazing places.”
“I shared a dressing room with boys that became brothers, and back room staff that became family, I played for the most incredible managers, and felt the undying support and love from the most dedicated fans in the world. Thank you to every one of you for being on this journey with me.”
“So for now I am stepping back, but not away from the team that lives in me and runs through my veins. After all, the dragon on my shirt is all I need.
Together stronger
Diolch”
