Wales legend Bale retires from club and international football

Wales legend Gareth Bale has announced his retirement from club and international football.

The former Real Madrid and Tottenham winger, 33, earned 111 caps for the Dragons and represented his country at three major tournaments, including the World Cup in Qatar. 

Announcing his decision on social media, Bale said: "After careful and thoughtful consideration, I announce my immediate retirement from club and international football. 

"I feel incredibly fortunate to have realised my dream of playing the sport I love. 

"It has truly given me some of the best moments of my life. 

"The highest of highs over 17 seasons that will be impossible to replicate no matter what the next chapter has in store for me."

Wales captain Bale began his club career at Southampton before joining Spurs for the first time in 2007, where he established himself as one of the Premier League's finest during 237 appearances for the North Londoners. 

That form earned him a move to LaLiga giants Real Madrid for a then world-record £85million fee.

The Cardiff-born ace enjoyed a trophy-laden nine-year spell in the Spanish capital, winning five Champions League titles. 

Among the highlights in the final of European football's showpiece tournament was his goal in 2014 against rivals Atletico Madrid and a memorable brace four years later to see off Liverpool.

A Welsh great, Bale played a talismanic role in helping his country reach the European Championship semi-finals in 2016 and also led them to their first World Cup since 1958.

Bale moved to Los Angeles FC last year, scoring three goals in 14 appearances — including in the MLS Cup final, which his side won on penalties.

He added: "From my very first touch at Southampton to my last with LAFC and everything in between, shaped a club career that I have an immense pride and gratitude for. Playing for and captaining my country 111 times has truly been a dream come true. 

"To show my gratitude to all of those that have played their part along this journey feels like an impossibility. 

"I feel indebted to many people for helping to change my life and shape my career in a way I couldn't have ever dreamed of when I first started out at nine years old. 

"To my previous clubs Southampton, Tottenham, Real Madrid and finally LAFC, all of my previous managers and coaches, backroom staff, team-mates, all the dedicated fans, my agents, my amazing friends and family, the impact you have had is immeasurable."