It is official: Gareth Bale, arguably one of the greatest British footballers in history, has retired from the beautiful game.
The Welsh icon, aged just 33, has taken to social media to announce this decision, with the former Real Madrid superstar hanging up his boots at both an international and club level. This means Wales' 3-0 defeat to England at the 2022 FIFA World Cup was the final time Bale kicked a ball in a professional match.
Speculation was rife surrounding the attacker's future following Qatar 2022. With Euro 2024 being 17 months away and the player having left La Liga for the MLS, many began wondering whether the former Tottenham sensation would continue playing or draw the curtains on his career.
Sadly, Gareth has opted for the latter, bringing an end to what has been a remarkable career. Even during his time at Real Madrid, where the winger was often criticized by Los Blancos fans, he still helped the Spanish giants win three league titles and played a crucial role in four out of their five most recent UEFA Champions League victories. Additionally, he scored 106 times and assisted 67 goals in 258 appearances for Europe's defending champions.
"After careful and thoughtful consideration, I announce my immediate retirement from club and international football," the player wrote in his heartfelt message on Twitter.
— Gareth Bale (@GarethBale11) January 9, 2023
"I feel incredibly fortunate 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 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 an 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 of those that 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 9 years old.
"To my previous clubs, Southampton, Tottenham, Real Madrid, and finally LAFC. All of my previous managers and coaches, backroom staff, teammates, all the dedicated fans, my agents, my amazing friends and family, the impact you have had is immeasurable"
Gareth also went on to thank his parents, his sister, his wife, and his kids for their love and support throughout his professional career. The Welshman did not reveal what is in store for his future but stated that he is preparing for a transition to a new adventure.
While the former Premier League sensation wasn't adored throughout his time at Real Madrid, one place where he was always revered was with his national team, and for this reason, the now-former Dragons captain penned a separate letter specifically for the Welsh family.
"My decision to retire from international football has been, by far, the hardest of my career," the nation's all-time top scorer wrote in a separate message.
— Gareth Bale (@GarethBale11) January 9, 2023
"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.
"My journey on the international stage is one that has changed not only my life but who I am. The fortune of being Welsh and being selected to play for and captain Wales has given me something incomparable to anything else I've experienced.
"I'm honored and humbled to have been able to play a part in the history of this incredible country, to have felt the support and passion of the red wall, and together have been to unexpected and amazing places."
"So for now I am stepping back, but not away from the team that lives in me and runs through my veins. After all, the dragon on my shirt is all I need. Together stronger!" the Welshman concluded.
During his time with the national team, the Dragons qualified for a FIFA World Cup for the first time in over half a century and went on a remarkable run at Euro 2016, making it all the way to the semifinals where they lost to eventual champions Portugal.
At club level, Bale got his hands on a whopping five UEFA Champions League titles, as well as three La Liga crowns, one Copa del Rey, and three FIFA Club World Cups. His final stint came in the MLS with LAFC where he lifted the MLS Cup and Supporters' Shield.
