Gareth Bale has ended his hugely successful nine-year career with Real Madrid with an emotional and classy message of thanks to supporters and staff.
The Wales talisman, 32, won an astonishing 19 trophies during his time at the Bernabeu, including five Champions Leagues and three La Liga titles. His exploits while in a Real Madrid shirt will go down in history.
Bale's numbers at Real Madrid are staggering. He registered 106 goals and contributed 67 assists in his 258 appearances for the club. Not a bad return for the club who made him the world's costliest player when they signed him from Tottenham for £85million back in 2013.
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He has had his tribulations in recent years, with some supporters booing him, his frosty relationship with former manager Zinedine Zidane well-documented and the Spanish media's sometimes nasty portrayal of him sullying the wonderful things he has done for the Spanish club over a sustained period of time.
But it was heartening to see him receive a stellar send-off with a standing ovation at the Bernabeu during Madrid's Champions League trophy parade on Sunday. Wales boss Rob Page called it a classy gesture and Bale has returned the favour with an equally classy, succinct farewell message.
"I write this message to say thank you to my team-mates, past and present, my managers, my backroom staff and to the fans that supported me," he wrote in a statement issued on social media on Wednesday morning.
"I arrived here nine years ago as a young man who wanted to realise my dream of playing for Real Madrid. To wear the pristine white kit, to wear the crest on my chest, to play at the Santiago Bernabeu, to win titles and to be part of what it's so famous for, to win the Champions League.
"I can now look back, reflect and say with honesty that this dream became a reality and much, much more. To be part of this club's history and to achieve what we achieved while I was a Real Madrid player has been an incredible experience and one I will never forget.
"I also want to thank President Florentino Perez, Jose Angel Sanchez and the board for giving me the opportunity to play for this club. Together we were able to create some moments that will live forever in the history of the club and football. It has been an honour. Thank you! HALA MADRID!"
