Gareth Bale has announced his immediate retirement from football at the age of 33.
The five-time Champions League winner’s last appearance was at the World Cup last month, as Wales were knocked out in the group stages in Qatar.
As Wales’ talismanic captain, Bale had played a pivotal role in guiding the country to their first World Cup in 64 years and leaves the game as one of their greatest ever players.
At club level, Bale’s stunning rise from a youthful left-back at Tottenham to one of the most explosive forward players in the sport saw him move to Real Madrid for a world record fee in 2013, where a eight-year spell cemented his place as one of British football’s most successful exports.
In Spain, Bale won numerous domestic and continental titles and scored in two Champions League finals. His spectacular overhead kick against Liverpool in 2018 will be remembered as one of best goals ever scored in a Champions League final.
Bale was limited by injuries in recent seasons but still managed to produce his best form for his national team. Bale scored a brilliant free-kick to defeat Ukraine as Wales qualified for their first World Cup since 1958 and in Qatar he scored their only goal of the tournament from the penalty spot, although he could not prevent a group-stage exit.
In a lengthy goodbye, Bale said his decision to retire was “by far the hardest of my career”.
“After careful and thoughtful consideration, I announce my immediate retirement from club and international football,” Bale said in a statement.
“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, 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 challenge.”
Bale posted a separate message to his “Welsh family”, who enjoyed an unprecedented period of success with Bale leading the side. The forward helped Wales qualify for European Championships in 2016, where they reached the quarter-finals, as well as another major tournament at Euro 2020. He retires as the country’s record goalscorer and appearance holder.
“My journey on the international stage is one that has changed not only my life but who I am,” Bale said. “The fortune of being Welsh and being selected to play for and captain Wales, has given me something incomparable to anything else live experienced.
“I am honoured and humbled to have been able to play a part in the history of this incredible country, to have felt the support and passion of the red wall, and together have been to unexpected and amazing places.”
Kaynak: briturkish.com
