The five-time Champions League achiever, whose Madrid agreement runs out this month following 9 years, Gareth Bale bid farewell to Real Madrid.
Bale, 32, forward will be expecting to lead Wales to its first World Cup since 1958 on Sunday in a playoff final versus Ukraine in Cardiff.
He is also looking for a new club following vouching before Wednesday that his spell at Madrid is over.
There was no chance of him securing a new contract at the Spanish champions, having being unpopular at the team that signed him for a then-whooping record fee of €100 million (now $107 million) in 2013 from Tottenham.
“I arrived here nine years ago as a young man who wanted to realize my dream of playing for Real Madrid,” he cited in a letter posted on Twitter.
“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.”
Bale scored in 2 Champions League finals, counting a superb bicycle kick in the 2018 victory over Liverpool.
However, he did not appear in Saturday’s victory to Liverpool in Paris that secured him a 5th European Cup.
“Together we were able to create some moments that will live forever in the history of this club and football.” Bale stated. “It has been an honor.”
Altogether, he assisted Madrid triumph 19 trophies, including 3 Spanish titles and 4 Club World Cups.
“Real Madrid would like to express its sincere gratitude and affection to Gareth Bale, a player who will forever be part of the club’s legacy,” the club stated.
“Real Madrid is and always will be his home, and we would like to wish him and all his family the best of luck for the future.”
Bale was catcalled the few times he got to play this season, and was even booed by some during the team’s title celebrations after it triumphed the Champions League a record-extending 14th time previous week.
“I write this message to say thank you to all my teammates, past and present, my managers, the back room staff and to the fans that supported me,” he stated, not hinting on his clashes.
He has long been clashing with Madrid fans who felt he did not make the club a priority and instead focused on Wales’ national team.
