Gareth Bale has announced his retirement from football at the age of 33.
The 33-year-old made the surprise announcement on Monday in a statement posted on his social media.
Of course this will be the end of the journey for a player who has played for Southampton, Tottenham Hotspur, Real Madrid and LAFC, as well as making himself one of the greatest players in the history of Welsh football.
“After careful and thoughtful consideration, I announce my immediate retirement from club and international football,” Bale said in a statement as quoted by ESPN.
“I feel very fortunate to have fulfilled my dream of playing the sport I love. It has truly given me some of the best moments of my life. The highest highs of 17 seasons, which are impossible to replicate, no matter what the next chapter holds in store for me,” he continued.
At club level, Gareth Bale began his professional career at Southampton, and his performances there saw him move to Tottenham in May 2007.
In September 2013, Real Madrid signed a six-year contract for a world record fee of €100 million.
In Spain, Bale won three La Liga titles, one Copa del Rey and five Champions Leagues (2014, 2016, 2017, 2018 and 2022).
In the 2020-21 season, Bale returned to Tottenham on loan. And after one final season back at Madrid, he left the club in June 2022 at the end of his contract and signed a 12-month contract with LAFC.
Bale appeared 14 times in the United States, and his biggest contribution was when he brought LAFC to win the MLS Cup.
“To show my gratitude to everyone who has played their part throughout this journey feels like an impossibility,” Bale added.
“I feel indebted to so many people for helping change my life and shape my career in ways I never dreamed possible when I first started at the age of 9,” he continued.
“To my previous clubs Southampton, Tottenham, Real Madrid and finally LAFC, all my managers and coaches, backroom staff, teammates, all the dedicated fans, my agent, my amazing friends and family, the impact you have has is immeasurable. .”
Bale ended his international career as the most capped Welsh male player with 111 appearances.
“My journey on the international stage was one that not only changed my life but who I am,” Bale wrote.
“The good fortune of being Welsh and being selected to play for and captain Wales has given me something like nothing I’ve ever experienced.”
“I am honored and humbled to be able to play a part in the history of this extraordinary country, to feel the support and passion of the red walls, and to have visited unexpected and amazing places together.”
“I continue with anticipation to the next stage of my life,” he wrote.
“A time of change and transition, a chance for new adventures.”
Whatever new adventures Bale embarks on, he says he will keep a close eye on his Welsh team.
“So for now I’m stepping back, but not away from the team that lives inside of me and runs through my veins,” he added.
“After all, the dragon on my shirt is all I need.”
