JAKARTA - Former Real Madrid player Gareth Bale made a surprise announcement. Bale decided to retire from football soon.
Bale resigned from the game after leading the Wales national team at Qatar's 2022 World Cup. In that tournament, Wales were eliminated in the preliminary round.
The 33-year-old, who last defended Los Angeles FC, released a sincere statement confirming his decision to hang up his boots.
"After careful and wise considerations, I announce my immediate resignation from the club and international football," Bale said via Instagram social media.
"I feel very lucky to have made my dream of playing the sport I love. It really gave me some of the best moments in my life. The highest of the 17 seasons, which was impossible to emulate, no matter what's in the next chapter for me."
From my first touch at Southampton to the last with the LAFC and everything in between, forming a club career that I am very proud of and grateful for. Playing for and captaining my country 111 times is truly a dream come true," he continued.
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Bale started his career with Southampton. After performing outstanding with the club, he decided to move to Tottenham Hotspur.
Initially, his journey with Spurs did not go according to plan. He was even rumored to be released at a low price.
But Bale has achieved his best performance since 2011 onwards, scoring 26 goals in his final season at Tottenham before moving to Real Madrid with a world record of 90 million.
At the Spanish club, Bale scored 106 goals in 258 appearances. He also earned five Champions League titles, three LaLiga crowns and one Copa del Rey.
Bale's shot in the 2018 final win over Liverpool was recorded in history as one of the biggest goals scored on that stage.
Injuries hit his last years in Madrid before being loaned back to Spurs and anchored at his last club, LAFC.
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"My decision to retire from international football has so far been the most difficult of my career," Bale said.
My journey on the international stage is one that doesn't just change my life but also who I am. Being a Walesman and chosen to play and become a Wales captain, has given me something that has nothing to compare with anything I've ever experienced."
"I am honored and humble to be able to play a role in the history of this extraordinary country, feel the support and enthusiasm of the red wall, and jointly visit unexpected and amazing places," he continued.
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