Gareth Bale retires at 33

• Gareth Bale made the decision to leave both club and international football.
• He stated that he was eager to move on to the next phase of his life.
• Bale is 33 years as he retires.

Gareth Bale, the star winger for Wales, announced his retirement from club and international play on Monday. He said he was eager to move on to the next phase of his life.

After competing in 664 games, the 33-year-old retired as a legend of the sport. He amassed 226 goals and 22 medals during his playing career, including five Champions Leagues.

The Los Angeles FC player captained Wales during the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar, but his dream of taking home the coveted trophy was dashed when his team placed last in the group stage. Wales played two games in the Middle East, losing two and drawing one.

What he wrote

Bale wrote on social media: “After careful and thoughtful consideration, I announce my immediate retirement from club and international football.”

“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 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 those who 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 nine years old.”

“To my previous clubs.”

Gareth Bale.[Credit/teamtalk.com]

“To my previous clubs, Southampton, Tottenham, Real Madrid and finally, LAFC. All of my previous managers and coaches, backroom staff, teammates, dedicated fans, agents, amazing friends and family, your impact is immeasurable.”

“My parents and my sister, without your dedication in those early days, without such a strong foundation, I 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 adventure.”

Bale’s tribute to the Welsh

Gareth Bale in action against Iran. PHOTO/FIFA

“To my Welsh family,

“My decision to retire from International football has been the hardest of my career.”

Bale continued, “How do I describe what being a part of this country and team means to me?”

“How do I articulate the impact it has had on my life? How do I put into words the way I felt, every single time I put on that Welsh shirt? My answer is that I couldn’t possibly do any of those things justice, simply with words. But I know that every person involved in Welsh football, feels the magic, and is impacted in such a powerful and unique way, so I know you feel what I feel without using any words at all.”