Gareth Bale hails ‘best fans in the world’ as Wales legend given special send-off ahead of Euro 2024 qualifier
Gareth Bale was given a very special farewell from Wales fans as they played their first home game since his retirement.
The 33-year-old announced in January that he was hanging up his boots after an illustrious career in football.
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Bale starred at Tottenham before sealing a highly successful move to Real Madrid, where he won 15 major honours.
The former winger also shone for his country and Wales fans took the opportunity to say thanks to their star-man.
Ahead of their Euro 2024 qualifier against Latvia in Cardiff, he was presented with a commemorative cap and plaque for his achievements.
He also spoke to Red Wall himself, saying: "I just want to say what an honour it has been to represent this country, to play in front of the best fans in the world.
"You supported me and my family and all the team through the lows of the lows, the highs of the highs. I can't thank you enough and honestly it's been the biggest pleasure playing in front of you for my whole career.
"Obviously I'm going to miss playing in front of you but make sure you keep supporting the boys.
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"You the fans are Welsh football, you make it so special, you make it what it is today and obviously I'll be cheering on like you lot and hopefully see you soon in the future. Thank you."
Bale made 111 appearances for Wales from 2006 to 2022, with his 40 goals making him their all-time record scorer.
He featured at Euro 2016 and Euro 2020, before captaining his country at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.
At club level, he played 554 games across his spells at four different clubs, scoring 186 goals and assisting 137 others.
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Bale started at Southampton before sealing a move to Spurs in 2007, winning the League Cup in his debut season.
After continuing to impress at White Hart Lane, he signed for Madrid on a six-year deal in 2013.
Bale won three La Liga titles and five Champions League titles at the Spanish giants, with his contract expiring in 2022.
His final club would be LAFC in the MLS, before making the ultimate decision to conclude his successful career at the beginning of 2023.
Showdown Saturday on talkSPORT
On Saturday 1 April, it's all kicking off on talkSPORT.
12:30pm: Starting the day, Man City host Liverpool in a key Premier League game.
3pm: Crystal Palace vs Leicester sees the return of Roy Hodgson to the Selhurst Park dugout.
7pm: Build-up begins for the heavyweight showdown between Anthony Joshua and Jermaine Franklin as AJ starts his route back to the top.
What. A. Day.
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