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Wales icon John Hartson led tributes from players, clubs and pundits to Gareth Bale after he confirmed his stunning retirement at 33, calling him “the greatest Welsh footballer of all time”, hailing him for bringing “magical moments”. “to the national team. .
Bale confirmed the news that he would hang up his boots on Monday at 33, retiring from all forms of football after competing with Wales in the World Cup in Qatar, and the club, players and pundits have been paying tribute to the five times Champions League. winner.
Hartson led tributes to Bale after his achievements in club football and his profound impact on the Wales national team, calling him the best player to have played for the Dragons after starring for them at Euro 2016 and Euro 2016. 2020.
Clubs, players and pundits have praised Gareth Bale after he retired from football at the age of 33.
Welsh great John Hartson called Bale “the greatest Welshman of all time” after the news
‘Happy retirement @GarethBale, the greatest Welsh footballer of all time and that’s saying something with the other greats we’ve seen. Magical moments, spectacular goals, unique talent… and a proud Welshman.’
His former Wales team-mate Neil Taylor praised the legacy he had left behind on the international stage, adding: “The best player I’ve ever played with, the best player to ever play for Wales and the best British player to ever play in abroad”.
‘More importantly, a really humble and down to earth Welsh man! His family of his are a lovely bunch and he has been a credit to them! Rest easy @GarethBale.
Alan Shearer also got involved in the tributes, praising Bale for his ‘incredible career’
Pundit Alan Shearer also left a moving message, writing on Twitter: ‘Congratulations on an amazing race. Enjoy retirement.
Bale’s former club Tottenham were one of the first teams to pay tribute to the Welshman following the news, thanking him for his efforts during his seven total years in north London.
‘Thank you for everything @Gareth Bale. Congratulations on an amazing race.’
His first club Southampton said: “Here you are @GarethBale Congratulations on an amazing career.”
The official Premier League account also paid tribute saying: “Congratulations on an amazing run Gareth!”
LaLiga, where Bale played for nine years with Madrid, wrote: ‘Gareth Bale has retired from football. What a brilliant career he has left behind.
And former Real Madrid teammate Rodrygo also took time to wish him well in retirement, writing: ‘Thank you @GarethBale.’
Bale’s last club, Los Angeles FC, said: ‘Forever a champion. Forever a legend. Always black and gold. Congratulations on a historic race.
Confirming his retirement, Bale wrote on social media: “After careful and thoughtful consideration, I announce my immediate retirement from club and international football.”
‘I feel incredibly lucky to have realized my dream of playing the sport that I love. It really has given me some of the best moments of my life. The highest of the highs in 17 seasons, which will be impossible to replicate, no matter what the next chapter throws at me.
Bale wrote an emotional message to fans describing the ‘difficult’ decision
‘From my first cap at Southampton to my last with LAFC and everything in between, he shaped a career at the club for which I have immense pride and gratitude. Playing for and captaining my country 111 times has truly been a dream come true.
‘Showing my gratitude to all those who have played their part along this journey feels like an impossibility. I am indebted to so many people for helping change my life and shape my career in ways I could never have dreamed of when I started at age 9.
To my previous clubs, Southampton, Tottenham, Real Madrid and finally LAFC. All my previous managers and coaches, back room staff, teammates, all the dedicated fans, my agents, my amazing 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 right now, so thank you for putting me on this path and for your unwavering support.
The legendary Welshman retires as one of the most successful players in football history
‘My wife and children, their love and support have sustained me. Right by my side through all the ups and downs, keeping me grounded along the way. You inspire me to be better and I make you proud.
‘So, I move forward with anticipation to the next stage of my life. A time of change and transition, an opportunity for a new adventure.’
Bale will retire as Wales’ top scorer and the most capped player in Welsh history. He played 203 times for Tottenham, winning both the PFA Player of the Year and the PFA Young Player of the Year award in 2012-13 after scoring 26 times in his final season.
He then moved to Real Madrid in 2013, where he would win everything in sight, including La Liga three times, the Champions League five times. He finished with 258 appearances for Los Blancos, scoring 106 times.
Bale finished his career at Los Angeles FC, making 13 appearances and scoring three goals before heading to the World Cup with Wales, where he would score once before the team were knocked out of the group stages.