Gareth Bale Announces Retirement from Football at the Age of 33

A surprising announcement was made by the former Real Madrid player, Gareth Bale because he decided to hang up his boots, aka retiring on Monday (9/1/2023). Interestingly, the player who just joined Los Angeles (LA) FC in the summer of 2022 decided to retire when he was 33 years old.

"After careful and thoughtful consideration, I announce my immediate retirement from club and international football. I feel very lucky to have fulfilled my dream of playing the sport I love. It has truly given me some of the best moments of my life," the former player wrote. Real Madrid on his personal Instagram account, Monday (9/1/2023).

Bale started his professional career at Southampton in 2006. During the year, he has given 40 appearances and scored 5 goals.

Bale's career got even brighter when he was recruited by Tottenham Hotspurs in 2007. Surviving until 2013, he played 146 matches and scored 42 goals. It was also around this time that he began to receive personal accolades.

Starting from being the best young player in the Premier League (2009 and 2010), to making his debut for the Wales senior national team. He also became the best Welsh player in the range of six years in a row.

Bale enjoyed achievements in terms of the team when he joined Real Madrid (2013 - 2022). He won four Champions Leagues, two La Liga titles and three Club World Cups, as well as captaining Wales to their first World Cup since 1958.

"The highest of the highest for 17 seasons, it's impossible to replicate, no matter what the next chapter holds for me," Bale continued.

"From my first touch at Southampton to my last with LAFC and everything in between, shaping a club career that I am immensely proud of and grateful for. Playing for and captaining my country 111 times is truly a dream come true," he added.

"To express my gratitude to everyone who has played their part along this journey, feels like an impossibility. I feel indebted to so many people for helping to change my life and shape my career in ways I never dreamed I would when I first started at the age of 9 years,” continued Bale.

Bale also ended his career at the American League club, LAFC after being recruited in 2022. He was also able to bring Wales to the 2022 World Cup even though he fell in the group phase.

"For my previous clubs, Southampton, Tottenham, Real Madrid and finally LAFC. All my previous managers and coaches, backroom staff, teammates, all the dedicated fans, my agent, my amazing friends and family, the impact you have had on me. give immeasurably, “continued Bale.

"To my Welsh family, my decision to retire from International football has been by far the most difficult of my career. How do I describe what being a part of this country and this team means to me? How do I articulate the impact it has had on my life? How do I express my feelings in words, every time I put on that Welsh uniform?” he said.

"My answer is that I can't possibly do those things justice, just in words. But I know that everyone involved in Welsh football, feels the magic, and is affected in such a powerful and unique way, so I know you feel what I feel, without using words at all. My journey on the international stage was one that not only changed my life but also who I am,” concluded Bale.