Gareth Bale, a legend for Wales, has declared his retirement from both club and international football.

The 33-year-old winger, a former player for Real Madrid and Tottenham, amassed 111 caps for the Dragons and competed for his nation in three important competitions, including the World Cup in Qatar.

Bale made the following announcement about his choice on social media: "After serious and thoughtful contemplation, 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."

Bale, the captain of Wales, began his professional career at Southampton before making his debut in 2007 with Spurs, where he went on to establish himself as one of the best players in the Premier League over the course of 237 games for the North Londoners.

His performance won him a transfer to LaLiga powerhouse Real Madrid for a then-record £85 million fee.

The Cardiff-born star played in the Spanish capital for nine years, earning five Champions League championships.

His strike against rival Atletico Madrid in 2014 and a spectacular brace to defeat Liverpool four years later rank among the best moments in the championship game of European football.

A Welsh great, Bale played a talismanic role in helping his country reach the European Championship semi-finals in 2016 and also led them to their first World Cup since 1958.

Bale moved to Los Angeles FC last year, scoring three goals in 14 appearances — including in the MLS Cup final, which his side won on penalties.

pic.twitter.com/QF7AogJXHE— Gareth Bale (@GarethBale11) January 9, 2023

He added: "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, backroom staff, team-mates, all the dedicated fans, my agents, my amazing friends and family, the impact you have had is immeasurable."