After leading Wales to their first World Cup since 1958, Gareth Bale shocked the football world by announcing his retirement from the game in January.
Possibly the greatest Welsh footballer of all time, the 33-year-old. When he moved to Spain in 2013, he was once the most expensive footballer.
He had an impressive career at Real Madrid.
Prior to Cymru’s 1-0 victory over Latvia in the Euro 2024 qualifying round, he made his first appearance in front of the Welsh supporters since the conclusion of the World Cup.
Speech by Bale to the Wales fans
According to Sun UK, the five-time UEFA Champions League champion broke down in tears in front of the crowd during his speech at Cardiff City Stadium.
“Hello, I just want to say… what an honour it has been to represent this country and to play in front of the best fans in the world,” he said.
”You support me and my family and all the team through the lows and the lows, the highs and the highs.
I can’t thank you enough and, honestly, it’s been the biggest pleasure playing in front of you for my whole career.”
Bale admitted he would miss playing in front of his home fans. ”But make sure you keep supporting the boys.
You, the fans, are Welsh football; you make it so special; you make it what it is today and obviously I’ll be cheering on like you lot and hopefully see you soon in the future, so thank you.”
Bale drop hint about future
It remains to be seen where the former Tottenham forward’s future lies. British GQ reported that he made his PGA debut in golf, shortly after his retirement in January.
Mirror UK also reported that Bale had been offered a role in the Wales backroom staff by head coach, Rob Paige.
The end of his speech hints this could be his next move.
Guardiola hints Bale’s next adventure
Sports Brief also reported on Pep Guardiola joking that Bale has a career waiting after the Welshman announced his retirement from professional football in January.
The Spanish manager tipped the former Real Madrid star to take up golf full-time, making reference to Bale’s famous slogan of: ‘Wales, golf, Madrid. In that order.’