The 33-year-old has pulled the curtain on a glorious club and international football career.
Real Madrid have paid tribute to Gareth Bale after the former winger announced his retirement on Monday.
In two separate social media posts, Bale confirmed his time as a footballer has ended. Wales’ most-capped male player and record goalscorer bid an emotional farewell to the national team in the first one. He then announced his career had ended in the second post.
— Gareth Bale (@GarethBale11) January 9, 2023
Tributes have since come pouring for Bale, with Real Madrid – the team he spent most of his club career at – being among them.
“Following Gareth Bale’s announcement that he will retire from professional football, Real Madrid C.F. would like to express its gratitude, admiration, and affection for a true legend of our club and the world game,” read a club statement.
“Gareth Bale was part of our team during one of the most successful periods in our history. He will long be remembered for his involvement in some of the most remarkable moments of the past decade, including his unforgettable run in the 2014 Copa del Rey final in Valencia [v Barcelona], his crucial goal in the 2014 Champions League final in Lisbon [v Atletico Madrid], and his brace in the 2018 Champions League final in Kyiv [v Liverpool], most notably the bicycle kick which will live forever in the minds of football lovers around the globe.
“His name will be forever bound to our club’s history and its legend.
“Good luck, Gareth, and all the best to you and your family.”
Bale played for Real Madrid between 2013 and 2022, managing 106 goals and 67 assists in 258 games. He won three LaLiga titles, a Copa del Rey, five Champions League titles, and three FIFA Club World Cups at the Bernabeu.
The former Wales captain also played for Southampton, Tottenham, and lastly Los Angeles FC. His final game as a footballer was on November 29; when Wales lost 3-0 to England in a 2022 World Cup Group B match.
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