Gareth Bale has reportedly set a date for his retirement

Despite showing improved form with Tottenham in recent weeks, Gareth Bale is reportedly planning to hang up his boots.

Reports in Spain claim Gareth Bale could retire once his Real Madrid contract ends in the summer of 2022.

The 31-year-old has shown flashes of his old self on loan at Tottenham this season. He even scored a hat-trick against Sheffield United this month, prompting rumors of a second loan deal with Spurs.

According to Diario AS, Bale has used his time in London to prepare for Wales’ European Championship campaign this summer.

The injury-prone star has carefully managed his training plan. To avoid any relapses, he has limited his involvements in intense workouts, such as speed exercises, and allegedly avoids playing in demanding Premier League matches.

“Gareth is an experienced man, and he knows his body,” said Spurs interim coach Ryan Mason on the Welshman’s absence from the line-up in Wednesday’s 2-1 defeat to Aston Villa.

“We spoke, and he felt it was best for him and his body not to start today. That’s all there is.”

AS also claim Bale plans to return to Real Madrid in the summer to see out the final year of his lucrative contract with the Spanish club.

The Spanish outlet then adds that Bale will retire from football in July 2022 at the age of only 33.