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![Gareth Bale will be a free agent this summer](https://uk1.sportal365images.com/process/smp-image-api/livescore.com/02062022/1654167331048.jpg?operations=fit(707:)&w=707&quality=100)
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'Deeply humbled'
Gareth Bale said he is "deeply humbled" after being awarded an MBE for services to football and charity in the Queen's birthday honours list.
Welshman Bale, 32, will be looking for a new club this summer when his contract with Real Madrid expires.
And there is expected to be no shortage of potential suitors following his trophy-laden nine-year spell at the Bernabeu.
Bale said: "Receiving an MBE in the Queen’s birthday honours list is a very proud moment for my family and I.
"To be given this news as we prepare to celebrate the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee makes it feel even more special.
"I joined a football academy at the age of nine, so the sport is a defining part of my identity.
"I recognise the privilege of being able to do what I love and for all of the incredible moments, experiences, achievements and memories football has given me.
"I hope I have been able to give just as much back.
"Football is my whole life and I am deeply humbled to be recognised by the Queen."
Honour for Milner
![James Milner has been recognised for his work on and off the pitch](https://image.api.uk1.sportal365.com/process/smp-image-api/livescore.com/02062022/1654167431558.jpg?operations=fit(707:)&w=707&quality=100)
Liverpool vice-captain James Milner has also been awarded an MBE for services to football and charity.
Milner, 36, joined the Reds in July 2015 and is currently fourth on the Premier League's all-time appearances list with 588.
The utility man also won 61 senior England caps between 2009 and 2016.
Away from the pitch, he set up the James Milner Foundation to promote healthy recreation for young people in the UK.
The charity focuses on the development, improvement and provision of opportunities in sports, while also providing financial assistance to young people in need of support with health and education.
Blue is the colour
Chelsea defenders Maren Mjelde and Jess Carter have been handed one-year contract extensions.
Norway international Mjelde, 32, and England ace Carter, 24, have made a combined 225 appearances for the club.
Both players featured in Chelsea's successful 2021-22 campaign, which saw them win the Women's Super League and Women's FA Cup.
Carter and Mjelde could face one another at Women's Euro 2022 this summer as England and Norway are in the same group.
The Lionesses host the Norwegians in Brighton on July 11.
Refs come out
Two Scottish referees have revealed they are gay.
Category one officials Craig Napier and Lloyd Wilson follow footballers Josh Cavallo and Jake Daniels in coming out.
Napier said: "It's something I never thought I'd be sitting here doing.
"It's something I've obviously lived with for a long time. It's been a difficult journey to get to this point.
"It's really important people like me are willing to do this."