On Monday, January 9th, the retirement of Gareth Bale from professional football was announced. The former international footballer with the Wales National Team, who had the opportunity to play in the 2022 Qatar World Cup, released a letter revealing some of the reasons why he is ending his career after 17 years. On this occasion, the 'Welsh Express' published a video recalling the best moments of his football career.
"What a journey! Thanks football for memories that will last a lifetime," reads the social media post accompanied by an emotional video, in which the former player can be seen from his early days in the sport to his greatest achievements at a professional level.
With a duration of six minutes, the video showcases his beginnings playing for Southampton in the Premier League, where he played from 2006 to 2007. Then, it shows his best moments at Tottenham, the team that led him to make the leap to Real Madrid.
In addition, it highlights his time with the Wales National Team, where he had the opportunity to participate in the European Championship and also the latest World Cup. Despite not qualifying for the next stage, his role as captain was evident alongside his teammates. Finally, he reminisces about the best moments at Los Angeles FC in the MLS.
Gareth Bale's farewell letter
"To my Welsh family,
My decision to retire from international football has, by far, been the hardest of my career.
How do I describe what it means to me to be part of this country and team? How do I articulate the impact it has had on my life? How can I put into words the feelings I had every time I put on that Welsh shirt? My answer is that I couldn't do justice to any of those things simply with words. But I know that everyone involved in Welsh football feels the magic and is impacted in such a powerful and unique way, so I know you feel what I feel, without using any words.
My journey on the international stage is one that has changed not only my life but also who I am. The privilege of being Welsh and being selected to play and captain Wales has given me something incomparable to anything else I've experienced. I feel honored and privileged to have played a part in the history of this incredible country, to have felt the support and passion of the red wall, and to have been together in unexpected and amazing places.
I shared the dressing room with boys who became brothers and the backroom staff who became family, I played for the most amazing coaches and felt the eternal support and love from the most dedicated fans in the world. Thank you to each and every one of you for being on this journey with me.
So for now, I take a step back, but I'm not walking away from the team that lives in me and runs through my veins. After all, the dragon on my shirt is all I need."
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