LAFC’s Gareth Bale (33) announced his retirement.
Bale announced his retirement declaration on his social network service (SNS) on the 10th (Korean time).
“After careful consideration, I have decided to retire from the club and the national team. It is unbelievably lucky to have fulfilled my dream of playing the sport I love,” he said.
He added, “It has given me some of the best moments of my life. The last 17 seasons have been full of great times. Whatever the next chapter of my life will be will not be like this.”
Bale, a native of Cardiff, Wales, made his professional debut in 2006 at Southampton in English professional football, and after moving to Tottenham the following year, he emerged as a star player.
In 2013, he wore the uniform of Spain’s giant Real Madrid, and at the time, the estimated transfer fee was 86 million pounds (about 130.1 billion won), the highest ever.
Bale, who settled in Real Madrid, has experienced many championships, including three Spanish Primera Liga and five European Football Association (UEFA) Champions League (UCL).
However, he lost his influence in the team due to frequent injuries and poor condition. He was also embroiled in a sabotage controversy, and even became the subject of controversy, such as playing golf despite his injury.
Bale, who lost his influence in the 2020-21 season, left Real Madrid in June of last year after being sent on loan to Tottenham to join LAFC of the American Professional Football (MLS) and play.
There were many twists and turns, but for Bale, 2022 is an unforgettable moment. Because it was his first World Cup stage. 스포츠토토
Wales qualified for the World Cup after beating Ukraine 1-0 in the 2022 FIFA World Cup Qatar World Cup European Qualifying Playoff Group A final. Wales has advanced to the World Cup for the first time in 64 years since 1958. Bale showed his presence as a leader by leading the team at every important moment. In his first World Cup, he scored a penalty kick against the United States.
In 2006, Bale, who made his debut for the national team as the youngest ever in Wales, scored 41 goals in 111 matches, setting the record for the most A-match appearances and the most goals for the national team.
Bale said: “The decision to retire from the national team has been the most difficult of my career. My journey with the national team has changed not only my life, but who I am. Being captain of the Welsh national team is an experience like no other. gave it to me,” he said.