Gareth Bale announces retirement from football at 33

After 14 seasons and 186 club goals Gareth Bale shocked the football world on Monday as he announced his retirement from the beautiful game.

33-year-old Bale, who is Wales' most-capped men's player with 111 appearances, led his side to two European Championships, reaching the semi-finals of Euro 2016 and a first World Cup since 1958.

Announcing his decision on Instagram, Bale wrote: "After careful and thoughtful consideration, I announce my immediate retirement from club and international football.

"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."

The Los Angeles FC forward, who previously played for Southampton, Tottenham and Real Madrid, made his final competitive appearance during Wales' World Cup group-stage fixture with England on November 29.

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