Gareth Bale has announced his retirement from football at the age of 33.
The Welsh winger, who played for his country on 111 occasions, took to social media on Monday afternoon to announce his immediate retirement from both club and international football.
He played in all three games at the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar, Wales' first appearance at the World Cup since the 1958 edition in Sweden. Bale was substituted at half time in Wales' third and final group game against England.
Bale released the following statement on social media this afternoon: "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."
Bale concludes the statement by thanking his family, before saying "I move on with anticipation to the next stage of my life. A time of change and transition, an opportunity for a new adventure."
Bale began his career at Southampton and made his debut for the Saints as a 16-year-old. One of the brightest young talents in British football, he made the move to Premier League side Spurs in 2007.
In North London, Bale blossomed and became one of the best attacking players in the World. After six seasons at Spurs, the Welshman moved to Real Madrid in one of the most expensive transfers in history.
His first few seasons at Madrid were trophy laden. Bale formed a formidable partnership with Karim Benzema and Cristiano Ronaldo in attack, and played a key role in Madrid's 'La Decima' Champions League victory in 2014.
Further European glory followed in 2016, 2017 and 2018, as did La Liga titles in 2017, 2020 and 2022.
However, Bales gametime was significantly reduced in his latter seasons at Madrid. Injury didn't help, but Bale's supposed love of golf soured his relationship with Real Madrid fans.
In 2020, he returned to Spurs for one season on loan and while he offered glimpses of his old qualities, he could never quite win the trust of then Spurs manager Jose Mourinho.
He returned to Madrid in 2021 and spent much of the following season on the bench as Madrid won yet another Champions League title.
Bale moved to LAFC at the beginning of this season and 12 times for the MLS club. His last act in club football was to score a 128th-minute equaliser in the MLS Cup final, with LAFC ultimately winning on penalties.
A National icon in Wales, Bale ended his international career last month after their loss to England in the World Cup. Bale scored a penalty in the first group game and became the first Welsh man to score at a World Cup since Terry Medwin in 1958.
In total, Bale represented Wales on 111 occasions, the most in history, and is the Nations All time leading goalscorer with 41 goals.
READ NEXT:
RTE viewers left with same complaint after Roy Keane appears on Tommy Tiernan Show
Robbie Keane pays tribute after death of Claudine's uncle following hit and run
David Moran has another year in him for Kerry, says Kerins O'Rahillys boss William Harmon
Glen hang on to book All-Ireland final spot with Kilmacud Crokes
Jack Kennedy sent to hospital after nasty fall at Naas sees Top Bandit lose life
Get the latest sports headlines straight to your inbox by signing up for free email alerts
