Former Real Madrid and Tottenham winger Gareth Bale delivered a spine-tingling speech to the Wales fans ahead of his country’s Euro 2024 qualifier against Latvia.
Bale stunned the world in January after announcing his shock retirement from football at the age of 33.
The 33-year-old Welshman represented the Dragons as captain and played for his country at both the Euros and the World Cup.
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Bale, who is Wales’ top scorer and most capped player, made 111 appearances for his country and scored 41 times before calling it time on his playing career.
Speaking at the Cardiff City Stadium on Tuesday, Bale received a hero’s welcome as he took to the pitch and told the Wales fans he would “miss playing in front” of them.
“What an honour it has been to represent this country and play in front of the best fans in the world,” he said.
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“You supported me and my family and all the team through the lows of the lows and the high of the highs. I can’t thank you enough and it’s been the biggest pleasure of playing in front of you my whole career.
“I will miss playing in front of you but make sure you keep supporting the boys. You, the fans, are Welsh football.
“You make it so special and what it is today and I will be cheering on like you lot. Hopefully, I will see you soon in the future. Thank you.”
Bale enjoyed a prolific club playing career and lifted three La Liga titles, five Champions League trophies and a Copa del Rey during his time at Madrid.
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The former Wales captain, who also lifted a League Cup in his first spell with Spurs, briefly played for Los Angeles FC after his spell at Los Blancos.
Bale made his last appearance for Wales at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, with Rob Page’s men finishing bottom of Group B with only a single point.
Wales drew their opening Euro 2024 qualifying match against Croatia 1-1 on Saturday at the Stadion Poljud.
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Topics: Gareth Bale, Wales, Football
Adnan Riaz