The Welsh footballer Gareth Bale has announced his retirement from the sport at the age of 33.

In a statement released on his social media pages he wrote: "After careful and thoughtful consideration, I announce my immediate retirement from club and international football.

“I feel incredibly fortunate to have realised my dream of playing the sport I love.

“It has truly given me some of the best moments of my life. The highest of highs over 17 seasons, that will be impossible to replicate, no matter what the next chapter has in store for me.”

“From my very first touch at Southampton to my last with LAFC and everything in between, shaped a club career that I have an immense pride and gratitude for. Playing for and captaining my country 111 times has truly been a dream come true.

“To show my gratitude to all of those that have played their part along this journey, feels like an impossibility. I feel indebted to many people for helping to change my life and shape my career in a way I couldn’t have ever dreamed of when I first started out at nine years old.

“To my previous clubs, Southampton, Tottenham, Real Madrid and finally LAFC. All of my previous managers and coaches, back room staff, team mates, all the dedicated fans, my agents, my amazing friends and family, the impact you have had is immeasurable.”

Gareth Bale's career in summary

Bale began his professional career at Southampton in 2006, before earning a £7m move to Tottenham Hotspur the following year.

It was at the London club that he transformed from a left-back to a more attacking player, where he became an integral part of the side under manager Harry Redknapp.

His star status rose and he moved to Spanish giants Real Madrid for a then world-record transfer fee of £85m.

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It was in Spain where he achieved a lot of success, winning five Champions League trophies, three La Liga titles, and three FIFA Club World Cups.

His time at Real Madrid was strained though, having a difficult relationship with the fans, which saw him move briefly back to Tottenham on loan during the 2020/21 season.

He eventually left Real Madrid in 2022 to join MLS club Los Angeles FC and won the Supporters' Shield and MLS Cup that season.

For Wales, Bale represented his country on the international stage 111 times and scored 41 goals, making him Wales' most-capped player and highest scorer at the same time.

He helped them qualify for Euro 2016, Euro 2020 and their first World Cup since 1958 in Qatar at the end of last year.