Gareth Bale has officially left Real Madrid after the expiry of his contract, ending a nine-year spell with the Spanish giants. In his final game as part of the team, he won his fifth Champions League title with the club.
Following his departure from the Spanish capital, Gareth Bale has been named a Member of the Order of the British Empire, or MBE, in the Queen’s Birthday Honors List.
Gareth Bale announces Real Madrid departure
The winger took to social media to announce his farewell to the club and its fans: “I write this message to say thank you to all my team mates, past and present, my managers, the backroom staff and to the fans that supported me.
“I arrived here nine years ago as a young man who wanted to realise my dream of playing for Real Madrid. To wear the pristine white kit, to wear the crest on my chest, to play at the Santiago Bernabeu, to win titles and to be part of what it’s so famous for, to win the Champions League.
“I can now look back, reflect and say with honesty that this dream became a reality and much, much more. To be a part of this club’s history and to achieve what we achieved while I was a Real Madrid player, has been an incredible experience and one I will never forget.
“I also want to thank President Florentino Perez, Jose Angel Sanchez, and the board for giving me the opportunity to play for this club. Together we were able to create some moments that will live forever in the history of this club and football.
“It has been an honour. Thank you! HALA MADRID!”
Despite falling out of favour with Real Madrid fans in the last few years, Gareth Bale has been able to have a dream career wearing the white shirt. He has played a huge part in their history over the last decade, and leaves alongside Isco and Marcelo.
