Real Madrid have paid tribute to club legend Gareth Bale on the day the footballer announced his retirement from professional football. The Madrid side expressed their 'gratitude' and 'affection' for their five-time Champions League winner.
Real Madrid have published a statement of 'gratitude', 'admiration' and 'affection' to their ex-player Gareth Bale after the Welshman announced his retirement from professional football.
"Following Gareth Bale's announcement that he will retire from professional football, Real Madrid C. F. would like to express its gratitude, admiration and affection for a true legend of our club and the world game" the club started by writing.
Real Madrid highlight the 19 titles which Bale won during his nine seasons at the club since arriving in 2013, and emphasise that "Gareth Bale was part of our team during one of the most successful periods in our history. He will long be remembered for his involvement in some of the most remarkable moments of the past decade".
In particular, they remembered the "his unforgettable run in the 2014 Copa del Rey final in Valencia, his crucial goal in the 2014 Champions League final in Lisbon, and his brace in the 2018 Champions League final in Kiev, most notably the bicycle kick which will live forever in the minds of football lovers around the globe".
"His name will be forever bound to our club's history and its legend. Good luck, Gareth, and all the best to you and your family".