Gareth Bale has penned an open letter confirming his departure from Real Madrid and revealing his honour at being able to represent the club for the last nine years.
The 32-year-old joined Los Blancos from Tottenham Hotspur in 2013 and has made 258 appearances for the club, scoring 106 goals and contributing 67 assists in the process.
Bale won three La Liga titles, one Copa del Rey and five Champions League titles during his time at Bernabeu, but he is leaving the club this month following the expiration of his contract.
The Wales international has had a difficult relationship with the Real Madrid supporters in recent times, and he only made seven appearances for Carlo Ancelotti's side during the 2021-22 campaign, contributing just one goal, due to a number of fitness problems.
Bale has now penned an open letter detailing his time at the club and is delighted to have been able to 'realise his dream' of turning out for the most successful side in the history of European football.
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"I write this message to say thank you to all my teammates, past and present, my managers, the backroom staff and to the fans that supported me," Bale posted on social media. "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 Bernabéu, 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 a 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 Sánchez [the managing director], 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!"
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Bale's next move at club level is unclear, but he is currently with the Wales squad preparing for their UEFA Nations League contest against Poland on Wednesday night.
The forward will then be involved in Sunday's 2022 World Cup playoff final against either Scotland or Ukraine, with the winner securing their spot at the competition in Qatar.
Cardiff City are currently the favourites to sign Bale for next season, while a return to Tottenham has also not been ruled out.
The former Southampton youngster played twice in Real Madrid's 2021-22 Champions League-winning campaign, featuring off the bench against Paris Saint-Germain and Chelsea in the knockout rounds.
Bale also overcame a back issue to make the squad for last weekend's Champions League final, but he was ultimately an unused substitute in the Spanish outfit's 1-0 success in France.
Matt Law
