'This Dream Became A Reality'- Bale Leaves Real Madrid With A Touching Tribute
Gareth Bale has brought his eventful Real Madrid career to an end with a touching parting tribute.
A then world record fee of £85m exchanged hands when the Welshman transferred from Tottenham Hotspurs to Real Madrid in the summer of 2013.
Bale quickly established himself as a fan favourite at the Santiago Bernabeu as he scored a wonderful solo effort against Barcelona in the Cops del Rey final and another in the UEFA Champions League final of that season against Atletico Madrid.
Bale's highs at the Los Blancos also included a brace against Liverpool in the 2018 Champions League final but his relationship with the fans tailed off in his final years at the club, spending time back on loan at Tottenham in the 2020/2021 season.
The 32-year-old only made seven appearances across all competitions this season as Carlo Ancelotti's side won the Spanish La Liga and a 14th Champions League crown.
Bale's contract expires this summer and he will be leaving the Spanish capital as a free agent.
His list of laurels at the Bernabeu includes five Champions League titles, three La Liga trophies, one Copa del Rey, three UEFA Super Cups and three FIFA Club World Cups.
Posting on Instagram, Bale wrote: “I write this message to say thank you to all my team-mates, past and present, my managers, the back room staff and to the fans that supported me.
“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 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. Thank you! HALA MADRID!”
