ANKARA
Wales icon Gareth Bale on Monday announced his retirement from professional football at the age of 33.
“After careful and thoughtful consideration, I announce my immediate retirement from club and international football,” former Real Madrid player said on Instagram.
“I feel incredibly fortunate to have realized my dream of playing the sport I love. It has truly given me some of the best moments of my life,” he added.
The Welsh star thanked to all his fans and previous clubs for their impact on his career.
Bale, 33, played for Southampton, Tottenham and Los Angeles FC during his career.
He bagged five UEFA Champions League titles with Spanish powerhouse Real Madrid in 2014, 2016-18, and 2022, along with three Spanish La Liga titles in 2017, 2020 and 2022.
He is the all-time top scorer with 41 goals in a record appearances of 111 for the Wales national football team.
