Finally only golf course: striker Gareth Bale (33) resigns

The World Cup in Qatar was his last act on the big football stage. Gareth Bale, captain of the Welsh national team, has announced his retirement from active football with immediate effect. The 33-year-old amateur golfer spoke of the most difficult decision in his career.

In 2013, Bale moved from Tottenham Hotspur to Real Madrid for a then record sum of €100 million. Bale won the Champions League five times and numerous Spanish titles with the royals. Most recently, he won the Major League Soccer championship with Los Angeles FC.

The striker once made negative headlines with the announcement that he would sit out his contract in Madrid on the golf course if necessary. Accordingly, the club simply commented on the resignation of its ex-striker with “Gracias”.