Gareth Bale, who has played for several teams such as Tottenham Hotspur, Real Madrid, and Wales, has stopped playing in the professional game at the age of 33.
Bale used to be a forward and was a member of the Wales team that competed in the 2022 World Cup in Qatar. In Major League Soccer, he also played for Los Angeles FC the previous season.
The Welshman has a career record of five Champions League victories and three La Liga championships while playing for Real Madrid. The footballer is regarded as one of Britain’s greatest exports in history. Bale referred to his choice to give up football as the hardest of his career.
Gareth Bale’s Statement On Social Media
On social media, Gareth Bale said, “After careful and thoughtful consideration, I announce my immediate retirement from the club and international football. I feel incredibly fortunate to have realized 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 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.”
He also expressed gratitude to his supporters, loved ones, agents, past teammates, former managers, former coaches, backroom staff, former football teams, and friends.