Wales and Los Angeles FC winger Gareth Bale announced his retirement from Club and International level football on Monday.
"After careful and thoughtful consideration, I announce my immediate retirement from club and international football," Bale tweeted. In a statement published on Twitter, Bale said that he felt fortunate to have realised the dream of playing the game he loves. “Playing for and captaining my country for 111 times has truly been a dream come true,” Bale said.
In the statement, Bale thanked the football clubs he has been part of, starting from Southampton to LAFC. He also thanked his family for their unwavering support.
In another statement addressed to Welsh football lovers, Bale said, “My journey on the international stage is one that has changed not only my life but who I am.” He added, “I'm honoured and humbled to have been able to play a part in the history of this incredible country.”
Bale’s decision comes little more than a month after he vowed to continue playing after Wales’s disappointing group-stage exit at their first World Cup for 64 years, The Guardian reported. Bale captained Wales on his first appearance at a World Cup finals, the publication reported. Bale's contract with Los Angeles Football Club was due to expire this summer.