Gareth Bale has bid farewell to Real Madrid after nine trophy-laden, rollercoaster years.
The Wales star leaves the Santiago Bernabeu with 16 trophies, including five Champions Leagues and three La Liga titles.
But it hasn't been all plain sailing for Bale in Madrid. He was in April booed by fans at the Bernabeu after coming off the bench against Getafe for his first competitive game at the stadium in two years.
He almost left in 2020 after falling out with then-manager Zinedine Zidane, returned to Tottenham on loan the following season and started just one game for Madrid since August in this campaign.
However, on Sunday as the club celebrated their Champions League win at the Bernabeu, fans chanted Bale's name as the 32-year-old bowed out on a positive note.
It has been an honour. Thank you! #HALAMADRID @RealMadrid pic.twitter.com/T7FL2LNRrD
— Gareth Bale (@GarethBale11) June 1, 2022
On social media, Bale wrote: "I write this message to say thank you to all my team-mates, past and present, my managers, the back room staff and to the fans that supported me.
"I arrived here nine years ago as a young man who wanted to realise my dream of playing for Real Madrid.
"To wear the pristine white kit, to wear the crest on my chest, to play at the Santiago Bernabeu, to win titles to be part of what it’s so famous for, to win the Champions League.
"I can now look back, reflect and say with honesty that this dream became a reality and much, much more.
"To be a part of this club’s history and to achieve what we achieved while I was a Real Madrid player has been an incredible experience and one I will never forget.
"I also want to thank President Florentino Perez, Jose Angel Sanchez and the board for giving me the opportunity to play for this club.
"Together we were able to create some moments that will live forever in the history of this club and football. It has been an honour. Thank you! Hala Madrid!"
