Former Real Madrid and Wales midfielder Gareth Bale told why he made the decision to end his professional career as a player at the age of 33. According to the midfielder, he achieved everything he wanted in football.
I didn’t fall out of love with the game, I just felt I’d achieved everything I wanted to. I have no regrets. I’m very happy with my career. With Wales, I also want to give the next generation time to come through. I hope I’ve shown them what we expect of our team when we play and what we do in the environment in the dressing room.
Gareth Bale, quoted by Goal
He also added that he now wants to spend more time with his family. According to Bale, he has missed many moments of his children's lives because of his football career.
The midfielder has played for Southampton, Tottenham, Real Madrid and Los Angeles. Bale became champion of Spain three times, as well as won the Spanish Cup and the Super Cup. In addition, the midfielder won the Champions League five times, won the UEFA Super Cup twice and won the Club World Cup four times.