Gareth Bale, Wales Captain, has announced his retirement from football at the age of 33 after a beautiful career.
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| Wales Captain, Gareth Bale, celebrates after scoring for Wales. Photo: @garethbale11 |
Bale is Wales’ most capped men’s player with 111 appearances.
The winger made the his retirement known on social media.
Bale, born in Cardiff, the Capital and largest city of Wales, took his club football career from English clubs, Southampton to Tottenham Hotspur and from there to Spanish club, Real Madrid and finally moved to American Major League Soccer club, Los Angeles Football Club (LAFC).
He was Wales’ playmaker helping the Dragons to reach the 2016 and 2020 Euros before drawing the curtain on his career after Wales’s first World Cup since 1958 at the FIFA World Cup 2022 in Qatar.
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| Welsh winger, Gareth Bale, celebrates Uefa Champions League triumph at Spanish club Real Madrid. Photo: @garethbale11 |
Bale wrote: “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 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…”
