Wales winger Gareth Bale has announced his retirement from club and international football at the age of 33.
The former Tottenham Hotspur and Real Madrid attacker most recently featured for his country at the World Cup in Qatar, having helped them qualify for the tournament for the first time since 1958.
Bale's 664th and final appearance of his illustrious career came in Wales' final group game against England, when he was brought off at half time before watching Rob Page's side go down 3-0 to their neighbours.
The forward announced his decision on social media, paying tribute to his past clubs, managers and teammates in addition to his family.
"After careful and thoughtful consideration, I announce my immediate retirement from club and international football," read Bale's retirement post.
"I feel incredibly fortunate to have realised 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.
"From my very first touch at Southampton to my last with LAFC and everything in between, shaped a club career that I have an immense pride and gratitude for. Playing for and captaining my country 111 times has truly been a dream come true.
"To show my gratitude to all of those that have played their part along this journey, feels like an impossibility. I feel indebted to many people for helping to change my life and shape my career in a way I couldn't have ever dreamed of when I first started out at 9 years old.
"To my previous clubs, Southampton, Tottenham, Real Madrid and finally LAFC. All of my previous managers and coaches, back room staff, team mates, 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 wouldn't be writing this statement right now, so thank you for putting me on this path and for your unwavering support.
"My wife and my children, your love and support has carried me through. Right beside me for all the highs and lows, keeping me grounded along the way. You inspire me to be better, and to make you proud. So, I move on with anticipation to the next stage of my life. A time of change and transition, an opportunity for a new adventure..."
In a separate post, Bale also paid special tribute to his country Wales, for whom he made 111 appearances and scored 41 goals, both of which are national records.
Bale is widely regarded as the greatest Welsh footballer of all time ahead of the likes of John Charles, Ian Rush and Ryan Giggs, having helped his country to qualify for three major tournaments - their first major tournaments as a nation since the 1958 World Cup.
The Cardiff-born forward enjoyed even greater success at club level, most notably at Real Madrid where he won 16 trophies including five Champions League titles and three La Liga crowns.
Bale scored in two of those Champions League finals - against Atletico Madrid at the end of his debut season in 2014, and twice against Liverpool in 2018, including a sensational overhead kick, to become the only player to have scored a match-winning goal in two separate Champions League finals.
A mixture of injuries and perceived lack of interest saw many Real Madrid fans turn against Bale by the end of his career in the Spanish capital, and he spent time on loan back at Tottenham before joining Los Angeles FC last year and helping them to win the MLS Cup in dramatic fashion.
Bale began his career as a left-back at Southampton but burst onto the world stage during his time at Spurs, where he scored 55 goals in 203 appearances across all competitions.
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The Welshman was named the PFA Players' Player of the Year in 2010-11 but enjoyed his best season in England two years later, when he was named PFA Players' Player, PFA Young Player, FWA Footballer and Premier League Player of the Year having scored 21 goals in 33 top-flight appearances, including a competition-record nine goals from outside the box.
That campaign ultimately earned him his world-record switch to Real Madrid, where he added team silverware to his individual awards.
Bale's greatest legacy will arguably be his performances for Wales, though, after inspiring his country to the semi-finals of Euro 2016 on their first appearance in a major tournament for 58 years.
The Dragons have since become regular features on the world stage, qualifying for Euro 2020 as well as the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.
In total, Bale made 664 appearances for club and country throughout his career, scoring 226 goals.
Barney Corkhill
