Gareth Bale Announces Retirement

Photo Credits To Marca

Superstar Gareth Bale announced his retirement from both international and club football. The Welsh winger was undoubtedly one of the greatest players in his generation of football during the peak of his career. His retirement comes after his move to Major League Soccer after joining the Los Angeles Football Club. As confirmed through his Instagram, he has ultimately decided that this decision is for the best. 

Born and raised in Cardiff, Wales, Bale caught the attention of many scouts from the English Premier League by the age of 9 years old. Eventually, Bale signed with Southampton and made his professional debut at 16. During his first season at Southampton, Bale played impeccably for a player his age. Following his spell at Southampton, he gained the attention of bigger English teams playing in the Premier League. 

After two seasons at Southampton, Bale would sign with Tottenham Hotspur, the giant North London club. The contract was a four-year deal for five million pounds. Upon completing the move to London and joining Tottenham, Bale began to soar as a top-class player. Bale went on to stay with Tottenham for six seasons and simultaneously build up a strong player profile that teams around Europe desperately wanted.

After his six seasons with Tottenham, Bale put up impressive numbers. Scoring over 49 goals in 166 matches played as a winger. With his contribution, Tottenham earned their way back into European competitions such as Europa League and Champions League. Bale earned Premier League Player of the Season during his final year with Tottenham because of the support he brought to the team.

In September 2013, after his reputable career with Tottenham, Bale decided to leave the club. After his time in London, Bale made the shocking move to European football club giants Real Madrid. At the time, the contract signed by Bale was the largest contract the game of football had ever seen. Bale signed a six-year deal that was reported to be worth over 91 million euros. The contract had set a new record.

During his time at Real Madrid, Bale was plagued by many injuries that affected his outcome performance with the team. However, without the help of Bale in many situations, Real Madrid may have missed out on many title opportunities. Bale scored his most iconic goals in memorable finals with Real Madrid. 

First, his fantastic solo-run goal against arch-rivals Barcelona in the Copa Del Rey final sealed the title for Madrid due to his efforts. In the 2014 Champions League Final, Bale scored a goal against Atletico Madrid in extra-time. Resulting in Real Madrid winning their tenth Champions League title in club history. 

The most memorable final goal scored by Bale came in the 2018 Champions League final when Bale came off the bench in the 61st minute. Two minutes after his arrival, Bale scored a remarkable overhead bicycle kick that shocked the world and is considered one of the best Champions League goals ever. During Bale’s tenure with Real Madrid, he won five Champion Leagues, three Spanish La Liga Titles, three Spanish Super Cup titles, and One Copa Del Rey title.

After his first term with Real Madrid, Bale returned to Tottenham for one season in 2020. During that solo return season, in 34 matches played, he amassed 16 goals and 4 assists. After his year with Spurs, Bale returned to Madrid when his loan was completed with Tottenham in 2021. After his final season in Europe in 2022, only making seven appearances with Madrid, he signed with LAFC in the United States. He made 12 appearances with the club and won the MLS title.

Bale stated on Instagram, “To my previous clubs, Southampton, Tottenham, Real Madrid, and finally LAFC. All my previous managers and coaches, backroom staff, teammates, all the dedicated fans, my agents, my amazing friends and family, the impact you have had is immeasurable.” Bale was one of the most entertaining players to watch when he was on the pitch. He possessed an amazing ability that gave any opposing team a challenge. With attributes such as his speed, vision, shot accuracy, and power. Gareth Bale is one of the best players of his generation and will be remembered for generations to follow. We wish best of luck in his future endeavors.

0 comments

Leave a comment