Gareth Bale shocks Britain as he announces immediate RETIREMENT - 'Time for a new adventure'

Welsh football legend Gareth Bale has announced his immediate retirement from football at the age of 33.

The ex-Real Madrid and Tottenham enjoyed a career spanning 16 years at a variety of clubs, winning a haul of honours including the Champions League.

A statement from Bale reads: “After careful and thoughtful consideration, 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.

“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.”

The Welsh winger most recently took part in club football for Los Angeles FC where he won the most recent edition of the MLS Cup.

Bale then led his country at the World Cup in Qatar, where Wales suffered a disappointing group stage exit.