Gareth Bale announces retirement from club and international football at the age of 33

Gareth Bale shocked football world as he anunced his retirement from professional football at of 33. Bale stared for Wales in recently-concluded FIFA World Cup in Qatar. Bale's last international football match was against England while he played last match of his career for Major League Soccer outfit (MLS) LAFC and helped m win MLS Cup

Bale anunces retirement

"After careful and thoughtful consideration, I anunce my immediate retirement from club and international football," Bale said in a statement on Monday.

"I feel incredible fortunate to have realised my dream of playing sport I love. It has truly given me some of best moments of my life. highest of highs over 17 season that will be impossible to replicate, matter what 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," Bale ded. 

"To show my gratitude to all of those that have played ir part along this journey, feels like an impossibility. I feel indebted to many people for helping to change my life and shape my career in a way I couldn't have ever dreamed of when I first started out at nine years old.

"To my previous clubs, Southampton, Tottenham, Real Mrid and finally LAFC. All of my previous manrs and coaches, back room staff, team mates, all dedicated fans, my nts, my amazing friends and family, impact you have h is immeasurable. So, I move on with anticipation to next st of my life. A time of change and transition, an opportunity for a new venture," Bale concluded.

A look at Bale's career 

Bale took Wales to ir first FIFA World Cup appearance in 58 years in 2022 and ended his career as nation's most-capped men's player with 111 appearances. Bale is a legend in club football as he won  Champions League five time with Real Mrid while scoring one of most memorable goal in final against Liverpool. 

Bale scored 42 goals in 146 appearances for Tottenham while finding net 81 times in 176 appearances for Real Mrid.