by Gareth Bale is a multiple Champions League winner and a true legend in football, especially Welsh football. The forward recently helped his country reach the World Cup for the first time in 64 years.
Bale had an incredible career, a truly special player. The former Southampton, Spurs and Real Madrid man won everything he set out to achieve and could have won the Ballon D’or if it wasn’t for the likes of Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo.
Scoring some incredible goals along the way, Bale will always be known for the incredible bicycle kick goal against Liverpool in Champions League football. The Welshman retires aged 33, currently at LAFC in the MLS.
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Bale released the following statement; “After careful and thoughtful consideration, I am announcing my immediate retirement from club and international football.”
“I feel incredibly lucky to have realized my dream of playing the sport I love. It has truly given me some of the best moments of my life. The highest of heights over 17 seasons, which 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, shaping a club career for which I have immense pride and gratitude. Playing for and captaining my country 111 times has truly been a dream come true in fulfillment.”
“To show my gratitude to all those who have played their part in this journey feels like an impossibility. I feel grateful to many people for helping to change my life and shape my career in a way I could never have dreamed of when I started as a 9-year-old.”
“To my former clubs, Southampton, Tottenham, Real Madrid and finally LAFC. All my former managers and coaches, backroom staff, teammates, all the dedicated fans, my agents, my wonderful friends and family, the impact you have had is immeasurable.”
“My parents and my sister, without their involvement in the early days, without such a strong foundation, would not be writing this statement right now, so thank you for setting me on this path and for your unwavering support.”
IMAGO / PA images
“My wife and children, their love and support have carried me through. Right by my side for all the ups and downs, keeping me grounded along the way. You inspire me to be better, and to make you proud.”
“So I move forward with anticipation for the next phase of my life. A time of change and transition, an opportunity for a new adventure.”
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