Gareth Bale tells him bye at football. The 33-year-old Welshman announced this Monday, January 9, his early retirement, taking into account his age and that he was still active after participating in Qatar 2022 with his national team and after being LAFC’s hero in winning their most recent MLS title.
“I am looking forward to what the next step in my life will be. A time of change and transition, a chance for a new adventure”he wrote on social media.
—Gareth Bale (@GarethBale11) January 9, 2023
In the letter, the player showed how he feels “incredibly lucky” having dedicated himself to the world of football, in which he only made his debut in the summer of 2006 when he moved from the lower divisions of Southampton to the first team, with whom he played 45 games and scored five goals. A year later he arrived at Tottenham and there began his long journey of triumphs and titles.
“From my first spell at Southampton to my last with LAFC and everything in between, they have shaped a career at club level that I am very proud of and grateful for.”the letter continues. With the spurs lifted the Carling Cup in 2008 and 2013 he went to Real Madrid for the significant number of 101 million eurosbeing the most expensive player at the moment.
In the White House touch the glory by adding 19 titles between local leagues, Champions League and Club World Cup. His career is remembered for goals against Atlético Madrid and Liverpool in European finals, as well as his famous run to the wing in the Copa del Rey final.
#GoalOfTheDay | Gareth Bale vs Barcelona (2014) pic.twitter.com/rXzK3gKZSB
— EuroFoot (@eurofootcom) January 2, 2023
Nevertheless, he left through the back door and arrived in Los Angeles in the summer of 2022, with whom he signed a one-year contract. He played 14 games and scored only three goals, but the last one was the most important, as he allowed his team to reach the penalty shootout against the Philadelphia Unionwhere eventually, he was crowned champion.
GARRETH BALE EQUALIZES IN STOPPING TIME!! #MLSCUP pic.twitter.com/iWqfU9FAWG
— Major League Soccer (@MLS) November 5, 2022
Bale and his legacy in Wales
While in Spain, despite his contribution, he was criticized, in his homeland, he became more than an idol. He led Wales into contention his first European Championship in 2016 and his second World Cup after 64 years. Leader and goal machine, he became the top scorer for his country with 40 goals in 111 matches.
At that Euro in France they surprisingly reached the semi-finals, while in Qatar they were placed in Group B along with England, USA and Iran. Even so, Bale was the star when he scored the penalty that gave them the draw against the American team.
Watch how Wales fans celebrated Gareth Bale’s goal against USA from the stands. pic.twitter.com/zYqigKCi6l
— Underdog Soccer (@Underdog_Soccer) November 21, 2022
His legacy will be remembered by fans in his home country and those who once celebrated his goals at club level. The doors of football are closed, but maybe others will open for him. professional golf -Your favorite sport-? Time will tell.
