Breaking news: Bale retires from football!

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Welsh football icon Gareth Bale has confirmed his retirement from active football in an emotional post on social media.

The former Real Madrid winger has ended a career that saw him win five Champions League titles, three La Liga trophies and three Club World Cups.

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The 33-year-old wrote an emotional letter, which he published on Monday.

“After careful and thoughtful consideration, I announce my immediate retirement from club and representative football. 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. The highest score in 17 seasons, which will be impossible to repeat, regardless of what the next chapter has in store for me.”

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“From my first contact at Southampton to my last with LAFC and everything in between, it formed a club career for which I have immense pride and gratitude. To play and captain 111 times for my country has truly been a dream come true.”

“It is impossible to express my gratitude to all those who have played their role in this journey. I feel indebted to the many people who helped me change my life and shape my career in a way I could never have dreamed of when I first started at the age of nine.”

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“For my previous clubs, Southampton, Tottenham, Real Madrid and finally LAFC. “To all my previous managers and coaches, backroom staff, teammates, all the dedicated fans, my agents, my wonderful friends and family, the impact you have had is immeasurable.”

“My parents and my sister, without your dedication in those early days, without such a strong foundation, I would not be writing this statement now, so thank you for putting me on this path and for your unwavering support.”

“My wife and children, your love and support have carried me through. Right by my side for all the ups and downs, keeping me grounded along the way. You inspire me to be better and make you proud.”

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“So I look forward to the next phase of my life. A time of change and transition, an opportunity for a new adventure.”

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“To my Welsh family… My decision to retire from international football has been, by far, the most difficult of my career. How do I describe what it means to me to be part of this country and team? How can I articulate the impact it has had on my life? How do I put into words how I felt every time I put on that Welsh shirt?”

“My answer is that I could not do any of these things justice, merely in words. But I know that every person involved in Welsh football feels the magic and is affected in such a powerful and unique way, so I know you feel what I feel, without using words at all. My journey on the international stage is one that has changed not only my life but also who I am. Being Welsh and being selected to play and captain Wales has given me something unlike anything else I’ve experienced.”

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“I am honored and humbled to have been able to play a role in the history of this extraordinary country, to have felt the support and passion of the ‘red wall’ and together we have been to unexpected and amazing places.”

“I shared the dressing room with guys who became brothers, and backroom staff who became family, played for the most incredible managers and felt the undying support and love from the most dedicated fans in the world. Thank you to each of you for being on this journey with me.”

“So for now I’m retiring, but not away from the team that lives in me and runs through my veins. At the end of the day, the dragon on my shirt is all I need”, he writes, among other things, in Bale’s letter.

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