By Benjamin Wanguba
Gareth Bale has stunned the world by retiring from the game of soccer at the ripe age of 33. The former Real Madrid star’s move has caught many by surprise as he is considered to be relatively young. Furthermore, Bale had a good year in football last year as he won the MLS Cup with Los Angeles FC. He also participated in the 2022 world cup with Wales over the winter however they did not manage to progress past the group stages.
Gareth Bale’s career started at Southampton before moving to Tottenham where he stunned the league earning him a world record move to Spanish Giants Real Madrid. His time there saw him win 5 champions league titles despite some challenges. He finished his career playing in the MLS with Los Angeles FC.
His retirement further surprised fans due to the fact that he has not picked up an injury in recent times. In a statement released by Bale he expressed how fortunate he was to have made a career out of the game he loves but that it was time for him to hang his boots.
“After careful and thoughtful consideration, I announce my immediate retirement from club and international football. 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. The highest of highs over 17 seasons, that will be impossible to replicate, no matter what the next chapter has in store for me.” he said. He finished by saying, “So, I move on with anticipation to the next stage of my life. A time of change and transition, an opportunity for a new adventure…”
Bale wrote on social media
Bale retires with various accolades including 5 Champions League titles that he won at his time at Real Madrid. Bale was also at one time the most expensive signing ever when Real signed him from London side Tottenham for a then record fee of €100 million. In Wales, he holds various records including record number of caps for the Welsh men’s national team having played 111 times for them. He also holds the national men’s team goalscoring record scoring 41 goals for Wales since first playing for them in 2006 at age 16. This made him become the youngest player to ever play for his country.