Gareth Bale: Former Wales captain, retires from football aged 33

Gareth Bale, who spent last season with LAFC, was on Wales’ team for the 2022 World Cup in Qatar. The Welshman won five Champions League titles and three La Liga titles at Real Madrid and is considered one of Britain’s best-ever football exports.

Gareth Bale, who used to play for Wales, Tottenham, and Real Madrid, quit professional football at age 33.

Bale played for LAFC in the MLS last year, and he was on Wales’ team for the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.

Bale said that his choice to stop playing for Wales was “by far the hardest of my career.”

“My journey on the international stage has not only changed my life, but it has also changed who I am,” he said.

The Welshman won five Champions League titles and three La Liga titles with Real Madrid. He is known as one of the best football players to come out of Britain.

Bale said, “After giving it a lot of thought, I’ve decided to quit the club and international football right away.

“I feel so lucky to be able to play the sport I love, which was my dream. Some of the best times of my life have really come from it. No matter what happens in the next chapter of my life, I will never be able to reach the same level of happiness as I did in the 17th season.

“Everything in my club career, from my first touch at Southampton to my last with LAFC and everything in between, has made me very proud and thankful. It has been a dream come true to play for and lead my country 111 times.

“It seems impossible to me to show gratitude to everyone who has helped me along this journey. I feel like I owe a lot to a lot of people because they helped change my life and shape my career in ways I could never have imagined when I started out at age nine.

“To my old teams, Southampton, Tottenham, Real Madrid, and finally LAFC. All of my past managers and coaches, backroom staff, teammates, loyal fans, agents, and my wonderful friends and family have had a huge impact on me.

“Dear parents and sister, without your hard work in the beginning and such a strong base, I wouldn’t be writing this right now. Thank you for putting me on this path and for your constant support.”

“My wife and kids, your love and support have kept me going. Right there with me through all the ups and downs, keeping me grounded. You make me want to do my best and make you proud.

“So, I’m looking forward to the next part of my life. A time of change and transition, a chance to start something new.”

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