One of soccer’s all-time greats is calling it a career. According to ESPN.com, Welsh’s Gareth Bale announced his retirement Monday after 17 illustrious seasons.
“After careful and thoughtful consideration, I announce my immediate retirement from club and international football,” said the 33-year-old. “I feel incredibly fortunate to have realized 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.”
A true legend, Bale spent time at the club level with Southampton, Tottenham Hotspur, Real Madrid, and LAFC, scoring 141 goals in 394 appearances while winning five Champions League trophies.