It’s a career that many can only dream of but now, Wales captain Gareth Bale has announced his retirement from football at the age of 33.
The figures and achievements are astounding for the man who is our nation’s most-capped men’s player with 111 appearances.
Gareth is also a five-time Champions League winner with Real Madrid, there’s very little argument that he is Wales’ finest ever footballer. If anyone tries to dispute that, you can throw into the mix his three La Liga crowns, three FIFA Club World Cups, three Super Cups, the Supercopa de Espana and the Copa de Rey during his time in Spain.
Gareth posted 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 and 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.”
Gareth posted two announcements today…….
