Real Madrid praises ‘true legend’ Gareth Bale as he retires

has announced that he has decided to hang up his boots and this has led to Real Madrid paying a heartfelt tribute to their former superstar.

The 33-year-old joined Los Blancos from Tottenham in 2013 and went on to help the Galacticos win an unprecedented 5 Champions Leagues as well as 3 La Liga titles and a Copa del Rey trophy in addition to 3 Club World Cups.

Since 2013, Bale spent the 2020-21 season on loan at Tottenham and then joined MLS side Los Angeles FC a year later. After playing for a season at MLS he has now decided to retire from football.

The statement

released in honor of the Welsh Magician is as follows:

"Following Gareth Bale's announcement that he will retire from professional football, Real Madrid C. F. would like to express its gratitude, admiration and affection for a true legend of our club and the world game.

"Gareth Bale was part of our team during one of the most successful periods in our history. He will long be remembered for his involvement in some of the most remarkable moments of the past decade, including his unforgettable run in the 2014 Copa del Rey final in Valencia [v Barcelona], his crucial goal in the 2014 Champions League final in Lisbon [v Atletico Madrid], and his brace in the 2018 Champions League final in Kyiv [v Liverpool], most notably the bicycle kick which will live forever in the minds of football lovers around the globe.

"His name will be forever bound to our club's history and its legend.

"Good luck, Gareth, and all the best to you and your family."

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