Welsh footballer Gareth Bale has ended his professional career at the age of 33. The former most expensive player in the world last played for Los Angeles FC in the overseas Major League Soccer. He announced his decision on social networks.
Bale previously worked at Southampton, Tottenham and Real Madrid, with whom he won the Champions League five times, among others. The native of Cardiff is the Welsh record holder with 111 international matches and 41 goals scored. “I am incredibly happy to have been able to fulfill my dream and play the sport I love. Thanks to football, I have experienced many of the best moments of my life,” wrote Bale.
During his career, he played 664 competitive matches, scored 226 goals and won 22 trophies. “The best of the past 17 seasons will not be possible to repeat, regardless of what the next chapter brings me,” said the winger, for whom Real Madrid paid Tottenham a record 100 million euros in 2013.
Bale represented Wales at two European Championships and last year’s World Cup in Qatar. “The decision to quit the national team was definitely the hardest in my career,” admitted the avid golfer.
“My journey on the international stage has not only changed my life, but also me as a person. The happiness of being Welsh and being able to represent and be captain cannot be compared to anything I have ever experienced,” added the six-time Welsh Footballer of the Year.
