Former Real Madrid superstar, Gareth Bale has announced his retirement from professional football. Bale is considered to be the world’s one of the most decorated players. But his injury in the last few years did not help him to bounce back to his best form.
Announcing Retirement
Gareth Bale announced his retirement on Twitter. The Welsh forward wrote: “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.”
— Gareth Bale (@GarethBale11) January 9, 2023
He concluded by writing: “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…”
Gareth Bale’s Magnificent Club Career
Booming in the English Premier League
Bale started his professional career as a promising footballer at Southampton. In his one year with the senior side, the Welshman made 40 appearances and scored 5 goals as left back.
Later Tottenham signed him for just £5 million and £10 million with bonuses on a four-year contract. His time at Tottenham helped him gain global fame. From 2007 to 2013, Bale scored 42 goals in his 146 appearances.
His playing style also developed massively. He became a left winger from his left-back position. In his final season, he ended up becoming the main man in front of the goal.
Time at Real Madrid
Real Madrid identified his talent and sign him for a world record fee of £77 million which broke Cristiano Ronaldo’s record move to Real Madrid. It was the highest fee back then.
But his Real Madrid career was full of topsy-turvy. In Real Madrid, he won every available club-level trophy. He won a staggering 5 Champions League, 3 La Liga titles, 3 Spanish Super Cups, 1 Spanish Cup, 3 UEFA Super Cups, and 4 FIFA Club World Cups.
But the forward faced a lot of criticism in Madrid for his injury record and lack of Spanish speaking. After Ronaldo’s departure, Real saw him as their main man. But he was not able to deliver that promise properly. But two goals against Liverpool in the Champions League final in 2018 Champions League final will always be remembered not only in Madrid’s history but also in World Football history.
His trophy-winning streak even continued in the MLS, as he won MLS Cup Champion with Los Angeles FC. He moved to the US in 2022 on a free transfer and played just 12 games mostly from the bench. He retired just before his contract expire this summer.
A Legend for Wales
Bale’s career in International football is as glamorous as his club level. He is right now the most-capped Wales player with 111 appearances. He is also the all-time top scorer of his national side with 41 goals.
The former Tottenham man helped his national team to reach the semifinals in Euro 2016. Bale led the Wales National team to the World Cup 2022 as a captain. This was their first appearance in the World Cup since 1958.
Bales’s former club Real Madrid has paid a tribute to his Madrid career and has posted a video of the top 10 goals in his Madrid jersey. No matter what, Gareth Bale will be remembered as the legend of this game forever.