Bale announced his retirement, made 665 career appearances and scored 226 goals and 161 assists
The 33-year-old Bell led Wales to enter the World Cup finals again after 64 years. He also scored his first World Cup goal in his career in the first game. Today, Gareth Bale posted on social media announcing the news of his retirement, and the 17-year career of the “Great Sage” came to an end.
The full text of Bell’s official announcement of retirement:
After careful consideration, I hereby announce my decision to retire from the national team and the club.
I feel very lucky to have realized my dream of making a career out of the sport I love. Football has given me some of the best memories in my life. In the past 17 years, no matter what happened to my future, there were some highlights that could not be repeated.
From my first touch at Southampton to my last at LA FC, everything that has happened to shape my career, for which I am very proud and grateful. To be able to represent my country in 111 games and be captain is a dream come true.
I want to say thank you to everyone who has helped me on this journey, it seems impossible. I am grateful to so many people who helped change my life and my career in ways I never dreamed possible when I started playing football at the age of nine.
I would like to thank all the clubs I have played for, Southampton, Tottenham, Real Madrid, and then Los Angeles FC, but also to all the coaches I have worked with, the staff off the field, the team-mates, To all my loyal fans, my best friends, my family and my manager, the impact you have had on me is unimaginable.
I am most grateful to my parents and my sister. Without your dedication and laid a solid foundation for me, I would not have the opportunity to write this statement now, so I would like to thank you for helping me on this path. The way and your support for me has never changed.
And my wife and children, it is your love and support that make me overcome difficulties every time. Whenever I was in a low point or a high point, you were by my side and walked side by side with me. It is you who inspire me to be better and make you proud.
So I can move into the next phase of my life with great anticipation. This is a time for change, a new adventure…
The 33-year-old Gareth Bale is known as the “Great Sage”. He started his career with the Premier League team Southampton, then played for Tottenham Hotspur and Real Madrid, and finally left in July 2022 The five major leagues joined the American League team Los Angeles FC.
During these 17 years, Bell played a total of 554 games in his club career, scoring 186 goals and providing 139 assists. A total of 5 Champions Leagues, 4 Club World Cups, 3 UEFA Super Cups, 3 La Liga Championships, 1 King’s Cup, 3 Western Super Cups and countless other trophies.
During his national team career, Bell made his first-team debut in May 2006, played a total of 111 games, scored 40 goals and provided 22 assists. Under his leadership, Wales broke into the World Cup finals again after 64 years. Although Wales was eliminated in three games with 1 draw and 2 losses, the aging Bell successfully scored his first World Cup goal in his career.