Gareth Bale Makes His Final Football Announcement
After Wales’ World Cup heartbreak, Gareth Bale has declared his retirement from all forms of sport.
In an emotional social media message on Monday, the former Real Madrid winger revealed the news, writing:
“I announce my immediate retirement from club and international football after serious and thorough contemplation. I consider myself tremendously lucky to have realized my ambition of participating in the sport I like.
I can honestly say that it has given me some of my finest times in life. No matter what the next chapter has for me, it will be hard to match the greatest of highs over the course of 17 seasons.
“Everything that happened during my club career—from my very first touch at Southampton to my last with LAFC and everything in between—has given me a great deal of pride and appreciation. It has definitely been a dream come true to play 111 times for my nation and serve as captain.
It seems impossible to express my thanks to everyone who has contributed in any way to this adventure. I owe a lot of individuals for changing my life and forming my profession in a manner that I never could have imagined when I first began out at the age of nine.
“To my former teams: LAFC, Southampton, Tottenham, Real Madrid. The influence you have had on me is immense, all of my past managers and coaches, backroom staff, teammates, all the devoted supporters, my agents, and my incredible friends and family.
“I want to thank my parents and sister for setting me on this route and for their unfailing support. Without your devotion in those early days, without such a firm foundation, I wouldn’t be making this message right now.
“Thank you for your love and support, my wife and kids; it has helped me get through. keeping me grounded during the highs and lows, right there at my side. You motivate me to improve and live up to your expectations.
“As a result, I eagerly look forward to the next phase of my life. A period of transition and change, presenting a chance for a new experience.
