Bale Out — Gareth Calls Time On Football Career Aged 33

Former Wales, Tottenham and Real Madrid forward Gareth Bale has retired from professional football aged 33.

Bale, who spent last season at LAFC in MLS, was part of Wales' squad for the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.

He told Sky Sports:

"My journey on the international stage is one that has changed not only my life, but who l am."

The Welshman won five Champions League titles and La Liga three times at Real Madrid and is considered one of Britain's greatest-ever football exports.

Bale said:

"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.

"From my very first touch at Southampton to my last with LAFC and everything in between, shaped a club career that I have an immense pride and gratitude for. Playing for and captaining my country 111 times has truly been a dream come true.

"I move on with anticipation to the next stage of my life. A time of change and transition, an opportunity for a new adventure."

Over the course of his career for club and country, Bale played 505 matches, scoring 182 goals.