Former Tottenham talisman Gareth Bale has announced his retirement from international and club football. The 33-year-old had considered whether to hang up his boots in the summer after Real Madrid decided against renewing his contract in the Spanish capital before instead joining MLS side LAFC on a 12-month contract.
In a statement posted to Twitter confirming his decision, 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.
