Gareth Bale sends Real Madrid heartfelt goodbye message

Robin Bairner

• Updated: 1 Jun 2022 11:35 BST
• 3 min read

Gareth Bale has confirmed that he will leave Real Madrid at the end of his contract in June via a post on Twitter.

Speculation has surrounded the former Tottenham player for months, with his peripheral status at the Bernabeu meaning that he was always unlikely to remain with the club, having spent last term on loan back at Spurs.

That has now been confirmed by the Wales international, whose relationship with the Real Madrid support has been difficult, despite moments of profound success at the storied club.

On Twitter, Bale posted: "It's been an honour. Thank you! #HALAMADRID."

Bale's Real Madrid goodbye

The attacker also posted a message beneath his comment.

"I write this message to say hank you to all my team-mates, past and present, my managers, the backroom staff and to the fans that have supported me.

"I arrived here 9 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 creat 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.

"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."

Bale's Real Madrid honours

Bale joined Real Madrid in 2013 and went on to play 258 times for the club, scoring 106 goals. He won the Champions League on five occasions with the club plus La Liga on three occasions.

He also picked up the 2013/14 Copa de Rey, the Supercopa de Espana of 2017, three UEFA Super Cups and three FIFA Club World Cups.