After confirming his departure from Real Madrid after nine years in the Spanish capital, Gareth Bale sent an emotional farewell message.
The 32-year-old joined the Spanish club in 2013 after leaving Tottenham and has since won a slew of trophies.
Last season, the Welshman went on loan to Tottenham Hotspur under Jose Mourinho for a season before returning to the Bernabeu.
Bale has had a lot of success with Real Madrid, and on Saturday, he added another trophy to his collection by helping them win the Champions League final against Liverpool.
However, the winger’s journey has not been easy, as he has been in and out of the team and has been heavily criticized by the Spanish press. Regardless, Bale’s message, which he shared on Twitter on Wednesday morning, expressed his gratitude for the club where he has spent just over a decade.
“I write this message to say thank you to all my team mates, past and present, my managers, the back room staff and to the fans that supported me,” he explained. “I arrived here nine years ago as a young man who wanted to realise my dream of playing for Real Madrid. To wear the pristine white kit, to wear the crest on my chest, to play at the Santiago Bernabeu, to win titles and to be part of what it’s famous for, to win the Champions League.
“I can now look back, reflect and say with honesty that this dream became a reality and much, much more,” Bale added. “To be a part of this club’s history and to achieve what we achieved while I was a Real Madrid player, has been an incredible experience and one I will never forget.
“I also want to thank President Florentino Perez, Jose Angel Sanchez, and the board for giving me the opportunity to play for this club. Together we were able to create some moments that will live forever in the history of this club and football. It has been an honour. Thank you! HALA MADRID! Gareth Bale.”
Earlier this month, the Welshman’s agent confirmed Bale’s exit from the Spanish side and admitted that a move back to English football could be on the cards. “Gareth will leave Real Madrid. His return to English football is likely, I think,” he admitted.
Bale has been linked with a return to Spurs almost every summer, and many Spurs fans are beginning to wonder if a return to N17 is in the cards. It’s only a matter of time before we find out where Bale will end up.
