Gareth Bale, five-time Champions League champion with Real Madrid and Wales’ greatest footballer of all time, has announced his retirement from the game. One of the most successful players in British history, Bale left Los Angeles FC midway through his contract, which was due to expire this summer. A little more than a month after Wales’ disastrous group-stage defeat in their first World Cup in 64 years, Bell made the decision to continue playing. In his first World Cup finals participation, Bell led Wales as captain.
— Gareth Bale (@garethbale11) January 9, 2023
“My decision to retire from international football has been one of the most difficult decisions I have ever made in my career,” Bell said. “My journey on the international stage is one that has changed not only my life but who I am.”
Bell began his career at Southampton and made his debut there at the age of 16. He spent six years at Tottenham before joining Madrid in 2013 for a record £85 million at the time. Even as recently as November, he had stated that he would continue to play at least until Wales’ Euro 2024 qualifying campaign was completed. Bell played 111 matches for his country and scored 41 goals.
“After long and thoughtful consideration, I announce my immediate retirement from club and international football,” Bell said in a separate statement posted on social media.
“I feel incredibly lucky to have achieved my dream of playing the sport I love. It has truly given me some of the best moments of my life. Highest highs in 17 seasons that would be impossible to replicate no matter what.” Wondering what the next chapter has in store for me.
This indicates that Bell’s last match was England’s 3–0 defeat to Qatar in November, in which he was replaced at halftime. Wales manager Rob Page was sure that Bell would speak later. Page commented, “I can’t believe this will be the last time you see Gareth wearing a Wales jersey.