Gareth Bale, a footballing legend for Wales, has declared his retirement from the game.
The 33-year-old had a dazzling career, spending time at Southampton, Tottenham, Real Madrid, and LAFC. He also captained his nation to three major championships during its most prosperous period.
Official Statement
Bale announced his retirement on social media on Monday afternoon, capping a professional career that lasted 17 seasons and culminated with him playing in Wales’ first World Cup campaign since 1958.
“After long and thoughtful thinking, I announce my immediate retirement from the club and international football,” Bale stated.
“I am lucky to have realized my dream of participating in the sport I adore. It has given me some of my best times.”
“Everything that happened throughout my club career, from my first touch at Southampton to my final with LAFC, has given me great pride and thanks.”
“I have dreamed of playing 111 times for my country and serving as captain. No matter what awaits me in the following chapter, it will be hard to match the highest of highs throughout 17 seasons.”
“I express my gratitude to my former teams: LAFC, Southampton, Tottenham, and Real Madrid. All of my former bosses, coaches, assistants, and teammates.”
“The influence you all have hadāmy devoted followers, agents, incredible friends, and familyāis immeasurable.”
“Thank you to my parents and sister for their commitment during those formative years and for providing me with such a solid foundation; without you, I would not be writing this statement today.”
“My wife and kids have helped me. They keep me grounded throughout the highs and lows, right there by my side. You motivate me to improve and live up to your expectations.”
Gareth Bale wrote different statement for his Wales family, as follows.
— Gareth Bale (@GarethBale11) January 9, 2023
Gareth Bale – Career at a glance
On his international debut in 2006, at the age of 16 years and 315 days, he became the youngest player to represent Wales by assisting Rob Earnshaw in scoring the game-winning goal in a 2-1 victory over Trinidad and Tobago.
Bale moved to Tottenham for a sum that could increase to Ā£10 million in 2007 after winning the Football League Young Player of the Year award while playing left-back for Southampton in his debut season.
The Welshman gained notoriety playing full back for Tottenham, where he briefly returned in 2020ā21. He won the League Cup in 2008 and scored 42 goals in 146 appearances.
Bale’s stint with Spanish powerhouse Real Madrid, where he scored 81 goals in 176 appearances across all competitions, is unquestionably the reason for his greatest notoriety. Bale also won three La Liga championships, a Copa del Rey medal, and five Champions Leagues.
āŖļø 664 games
āŖļø 226 goals
āŖļø 22 trophies, including 5 Champions LeaguesGareth Bale retires as a legend of the game ā¤ļø pic.twitter.com/cqYL2rTV33
— B/R Football (@brfootball) January 9, 2023
Bale left Los Angeles FC, his most recent club, after joining them in July 2022. He won the MLS Cup, his final trophy to date, after scoring his equalizer in the 128th minute.
The now-former Wales captain recently represented his country in the 2022 World Cup in Qatar. Where he added one more goal to his tally of 41 goals in 111 caps.
Wales’ captain at Euro 2020 contributed two assists as Wales defeated Turkey 2-0 to advance to the round of 16. Bale scored three goals during Wales’ remarkable journey to the competition’s semifinals at Euro 2016, beating Belgium along the way.
The former Real Madrid player and legend of Wales alluded to “a new adventure” in his retirement statement, which prompted some to speculate that he would now pursue a career in golf. However, nothing has been officially verified at this time.
