Ex-Tottenham and Real Madrid forward Gareth Bale retires from football at 33
Gareth Bale, the former Tottenham and Real Madrid forward, who was part of Wales’ squad for the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, has retired from football at the age of 33 years.
Bale says the decision to quit international football is “by far the hardest of my career”.
“My journey on the international stage is one that has changed not only my life, but who l am,” he added.
Bale won five Champions League titles and LaLiga three times at Real Madrid and is considered one of Britain’s greatest-ever football exports.
Bale wrote on social media: “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 nine 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.
