Tottenham Hotspur have congratulated former winger Gareth Bale after he was given a MBE on Wednesday evening.
Bale was among the latest names to make the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee birthday honours list and was named along the list of sportsman and people across all walks of life to be recognised on the honours list.
The winger, who has 102 international caps for Wales, recently became a free agent after his exit from Real Madrid following a nine-year spell in Spain. Bale is now on the hunt for a club ahead of next season, with links between him and a third stint with Tottenham emerging.
Bale was already in the headlines on Wednesday after announcing his Real Madrid exit after nine years at the club shortly before receiving his MBE. In response to his honour, Tottenham tweeted a message to Bale, saying: "Congratulations on an incredible achievement."
Bale spent the 2020/21 campaign out on loan with Spurs in the Premier League where he scored 11 times in 20 top-flight outings, as well as five more strikes in Tottenham’s cup competitions that term.
Following his recognition by Queen Elizabeth II, Bale tweeted about how proud he was to be recognised. “Receiving an MBE in the Queen’s Birthday honours list is a very proud moment for my family and I,” said Bale.
“To be given this news as we prepare to celebrate the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee makes it feel even more special.I joined an academy aged 9, so football is a defining part of my identity.
“I recognise the privilege of being able to do what I love, & for all the incredible moments, experiences, achievements & memories football has given me, I hope I’ve been able to give just as much back. Football is my whole life and I am deeply humbled to be recognised by the Queen.”
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Tottenham quote tweeted Bale’s thread to congratulate him. They posted a medal emoji followed by “Gareth Bale MBE. Congratulations on an incredible achievement,” followed by an emoji of a blue heart.
Bale, 32, is currently on international duty with Wales as they aim to qualify for this year’s FIFA World Cup. The former Spurs and Real Madrid star was left out of the squad by Robert Page’s side for their UEFA Nations League 2-1 defeat to Poland on Wednesday night.
The ex-Tottenham forward was among those spared from Robert Page’s side ahead of their FIFA World Cup play-off qualifying match against Ukraine on Sunday. The winner of that match will qualify for this year’s competition in Qatar.
Wales or Ukraine will be drawn into Group B of the competition alongside England, the United States of America and Iran. Wales have not qualified for the World Cup since their only other appearance in the competition in 1958.
Bale was not the only footballer recognised on the Queen’s Jubilee birthday honours list. Liverpool midfielder James Milner received an MBE.
Former England, Manchester United and Leeds United defender Rio Ferdinand received an OBE for his charity work and activism.
