Gareth Bale has announced his retirement from professional football at the age of 33.
The forward bows out after the 2022 World Cup in which Wales were knocked out at the group stages. His final appearance came in the 3-0 defeat to England on 29 November.
“After careful and thoughtful consideration, I announce my immediate retirement from club and international football,” he said in a statement posted on social media.
“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.”
Bale began his career with Southampton and joined Tottenham Hotspur – initially as a left-back – in 2007. It was there the club’s then manager Harry Redknapp changed his position and he earned what was at the time a world record £85m transfer to Real Madrid.
He won 18 trophies over the course of his career, including five Champions League titles with Los Blancos – scoring in both the 2014 and 2018 finals. Briefly returning to Spurs on loan, his final move took him to Los Angeles FC, where he scored a crucial goal in the MLS Cup final.
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“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…”
More to follow.
from Football - inews.co.uk https://inews.co.uk/sport/football/gareth-bale-retires-wales-tottenham-real-madrid-2073310
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