The Welsh footballer, Gareth Bale had announced his retirement from football. He made the surprise announcement on Monday in a statement posted on his social media handles.
Bale in a statement said, “After careful and thoughtful consideration, I announce my immediate retirement from club and international football.”
In his statement, Bale has not disclosed what his next plans are as he said he move on with anticipation to the next stage of his life.
For him, this retirement stage is a “time of change and transition, an opportunity for a new adventure.”
Meanwhile, he said he is stepping back for now but not away from the team that lives in him and runs through his veins.
He added, “After all, the dragon on my shirt is all I need.”
His retirement announcement brings an end to a football career that saw Bale excel for Southampton, Tottenham Hotspur, Real Madrid, and LAFC, while also establishing himself as one of the greatest players in Welsh football history.
His professional career started at Southampton from where he moved to Tottenham in May 2007.
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In addition, Bale has won many awards for his performances on the premier league team. In September 2013, Madrid signed Bale on a six-year deal which was at the time worth a record fee of €100 million.
Also, In Spain, Bale won three La Liga titles, one Copa del Rey, and five Champions Leagues in 2014, 2016, 2017, 2018, and 2022.
Furthermore, Bale made 14 appearances in the States, and his greatest contribution came with a 128th-minute extra-time header in the MLS Cup final that saw LAFC draw the game level 3-3 against Philadelphia Union. That forced the match to a penalty shootout, which led to LAFC securing their first major trophy
Bale’s last performance in football was playing for Wales in the 2022 World Cup, where he earned the last of his record-breaking 111 caps in their 3-0 defeat to England.
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