GARETH BALE has penned an emotional farewell thank you message to Real Madrid – in both English and Spanish – and said it was an honour to play for the 14-time European kings.
The Wales captain, 32, leaves the Bernabeu when his contract expires next month after winning the Champions League five times and winning 16 trophies.
Gareth Bale’s nine year spell ended with another Champions League trophy Credit: Getty
It all started nine years ago when he arrived from Tottenham Credit: Reuters Departing Bale has had a roller coaster ride and mixed time with Real fans but finished on a high with his Euro title number five after an unused substitute appearance against Liverpool in Paris last Saturday.
And he received respect and affection from the Bernabeu as he was given a standing ovation at the club’s trophy parade the following day.
Bale, often criticised in Spain for not speaking the native language during his nine-year stint in Madrid, wrote a touching leaving post after revealing he has achieved his dream in an incredible time with Real.
The ex-Tottenham star tweeted: “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.
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Gareth Bale receives standing ovation from jubilant Real Madrid fans “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 so 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.
“To be 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.
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“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!”
Bale is with the Wales squad in Poland preparing for tonight’s Nations League fixture in Wroclaw.
He flew straight to Portugal to link up with his national team colleagues after Real’s Champions League victory parade.
From there the squad then jetted to Poland.
Wales will then face the winners of this evening’s play-off between Scotland and Ukraine on Sunday for a place at this year’s World Cup.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
