Gareth Bale’s words to his wife after retiring at 33: “You inspire me to be better”

Gareth Bale, winner of five Champions with Real Madrid, has announced this Monday the “immediate” end of his sports career at the age of 33. The former Welsh footballer, who has made this decision “after careful and thoughtful consideration”, is supported at home by his wife Emma Rhys-Jonesand his four children, for whom he has had some sincere words of gratitude.

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“After careful and thoughtful consideration, I announce my immediate retirement from club and international football. I feel incredibly lucky to have been able to fulfill my dream in the sport I love. It has truly given me some of the best moments of my life.” written by the former striker at the beginning of his letter.

The Cardiff athlete’s decision comes after having played the World Cup in Qatar with his team. The Welsh team were knocked out of the group stage. In his nine seasons at Real Madrid, in addition to five Champions Leagues, he won three Leagues, three Spanish Super Cups, one Copa del Rey, four Club World Cups and three European Super Cups. His last team has been Los Angeles FC of the American MLS.

The former Merengue attacker, who has also said goodbye to the Welsh team in another post, only has words of gratitude for the people who have accompanied him in these 17 career seasons: “Show my gratitude to all those who have played their role in Throughout this journey, it feels like an impossibility. I am indebted to so many people for helping me change my life and shape my career in ways I could never have dreamed of when I started at age 9.”

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Of course, in this farewell message he does not forget his family: “My parents and my sister, without your dedication in those early days, without such a solid foundation, I would not be writing this statement at this time, so thank you for putting me on this path and for your unwavering support.

His wife, Emma Rhys-Jones, has been (and is) the greatest support: “My wife and children, their love and support have sustained me. Right by my side through all the ups and downs, keeping me grounded in the way. You inspire me to be better and I make you proud.”

The former soccer player closes a door, but opens a window: “So, I move forward with anticipation of the next stage of my life. A time of change and transition, an opportunity for a new adventure”, he has sentenced.

Gareth and Emma met when they were barely teenagers studying at Wintchurch High School in Cardiff. Since then they have not separated, becoming one of the most solid and discreet couples in the world of football. Fruit of his love, his daughters have been born Alba Violetten years old; Valentina shipout of six; Axel, of four; and the little one Xanderthe joy of the house, who was born in 2021. Gareth and Emma got married in June 2019 in an intimate ceremony held in Mallorca.