Wales captain Gareth Bale retires from football at 33

Wales captain Gareth Bale has announced his retirement from football at the age of 33 after a glittering career.

The nation's most-capped male player and record men's goalscorer announced his decision on social media.

Bale, a five-time Champions League winner with Real Madrid, is arguably Wales' finest ever footballer.

He says after careful and thoughtful consideration, he is announcing his immediate retirement from club and international football.

Bale says he feels incredibly fortunate to have realised his dream of playing the sport he loves.

Cardiff-born Bale's club career took him from Southampton to Tottenham Hotspur and a world record transfer to Spanish giants Real before his move to Major League Soccer club Los Angeles FC in June 2022.

[Source: BBC Sports]