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Gareth Bale announces retirement from professional football

Salahudeen SulaymanJanuary 9, 2023

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Gareth Bale has announced his immediate retirement from professional football, bringing his 16-year career to an end. The former Real Madrid man joins a long list of global superstars to call time on their careers in recent months.

Bale has ended his time as a professional footballer after an illustrious career that saw him represent Real Madrid and the Welsh national team. The 33-year-old started his career as a left-back before transitioning to a more advanced position under the tutelage of Harry Redknapp at Tottenham Hotspur.

Gareth Bale started his career with Southampton before moving to Tottenham as an 18-year-old in 2007. He developed into one of the finest wide players in world football while at Tottenham, winning multiple individual accolades. Bale became the world’s most expensive player when he joined Real Madrid in 2013 for €100 million.

Bale enjoyed great success at Real Madrid and won 16 major titles with Los Blancos, including five UEFA Champions League crowns. At the Santiago Bernabeu, Bale formed one-third of the BBC attacking trident that dominated Europe alongside Karim Benzema and Cristiano Ronaldo. He scored 106 goals for the club before leaving on a permanent deal to MLS outfit Los Angeles FC. He spent the 2020-21 season on loan at Tottenham Hotspur.

Bale took his winner’s mentality to Los Angeles, where he helped his side win the Supporter’s Shield and MLS Cup in his lone season in the USA.

Gareth Bale is considered by many as Wales’ greatest footballer ever. He captained his side to the 2022 FIFA World Cup, where they were knocked out of the group stage. He also featured in Euro 2016 and Euro 2020. He managed 41 goals in 111 appearances for the Dragons in his career.

The forward enjoyed a successful career although there were often questions raised about his professionalism while he represented Real Madrid. He, however, made it clear with his announcement post that he enjoyed playing at the highest level and looked forward to his next adventure.