Gareth Bale has announced his retirement from club and international football with immediate effect, APA reports citing Mirror.
At the age of 33, the ex- Tottenham Hotspur and Real Madrid star - who most recently played for MLS side LAFC - wrote in a statement on Monday: "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."
Having started out at Southampton, Bale enjoyed a prestigious career which included winning four Champions Leagues, two La Liga titles and three Club World Cups, as well captaining his beloved Wales to their first World Cup since 1958. The 33-year-old added: "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, back room staff, team mates, all the dedicated fans, my agents, my amazing friends and family, the impact you have had is immeasurable".
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