Gareth Bale Retires From Football | Football/Soccer

Gareth Bale has announced his retirement from football with immediate effect.

In a social media post the striker revealed he would be retiring from both club and international football.

The 33-year-old Wales captain told his followers: "After careful thought and consideration, I announce my immediate retirement from club and international football.

"I feel incredibly fortunate to have realized 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."

The star won the Champions League five times while playing for Real Madrid and is the record caps holder for Wales, having made 111 appearances for his country.