Gareth Bale has sent an emotional farewell message to Real Madrid after confirming his exit after nine years in the Spanish capital. The 32-year-old left Tottenham to join the Spanish side in 2013 and has won a host of trophies while there.
The Welshman did return to north London, for a season long loan spell at Tottenham last season, under Jose Mourinho, before returning back to the Bernabeu. Bale has found great success throughout his time with Madrid, adding another achievement to his collection, with their Champions League victory in the final against Liverpool on Saturday.
However, it hasn't been an easy ride for the winger, who has had to deal with being in and out the team and has faced large criticism from the Spanish media. Despite this, Bale's message, which he posted on Twitter on Wednesday morning, showed his appreciation for the club he has spent just under a decade at.
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"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," he explained. "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 and to be part of what it's 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," Bale added. "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! Gareth Bale."
There will now be questions regarding what is next for the player who still has some years left of his career. Earlier this month, the Welshman's agent confirmed Bale's exit from the Spanish side and admitted that a move back to English football could be on the cards. "Gareth will leave Real Madrid. His return to English football is likely, I think," he admitted.
Bale is linked with a return to Spurs almost every summer and many Tottenham fans are likely to now start to wonder if another return to N17 could be on the cards. Only time will tell where Bale will end up.
