According to reports, Welsh winger Gareth Bale is considering hanging up his football boots once his contract at Real Madrid expires next summer.
Ever since his move to the Spanish capital, Bale has massively struggled with constantly reoccurring injuries and setbacks. Bale has won a lot of trophies and has had a lot of memorable moments in the Real Madrid shirt. But he has failed to reach the heights that were expected of him and failed to reach his full potential.
He has made a total of 254 appearances for the Los Blancos in all competitions. In this time he has recorded 106 goals and 67 assists. (stats via Tranfermarkt)
The 32-year-old has once again struggled with injuries this term. He has made just 3 appearances in the LaLiga this term due to knee and calf injury setbacks. The winger has featured in just 193 minutes of football action this term. In this time he has recorded one goal. (stats via Tranfermarkt)
Gareth Bale is currently in the last six months of his contract at the Santiago Bernabéu. Real Madrid have shown no interest and intention to extend the stay of the Welsh captain beyond the summer.
Gareth Bale set to retire in the summer?
The Athletic have reported that Gareth Bale will give serious consideration to retiring from professional footballer if his international side Wales fail to qualify for this year’s World Cup in Qatar.
Wales qualification for the World Cup looks in serious doubts. To qualify for the World Cup in Qatar, Wales have to win the playoffs. Rob Page and his side must win the playoffs semi-final against Austria. If they beat Austria, they will face either Scotland or Ukraine in the final of the playoffs at the end of March.
Should Wales manage to qualify for the World Cup, Gareth Bale will reportedly look to sign a short-term contract with another foreign club after his contract with the Spanish giants is up. He will most likely move to a club in the Premier League or the Championship.
Previously when there were reports about Bale’s retirement, he addressed the rumours back in September 2021 and said:
“I’ve only just started this year and you’re already asking questions! I haven’t thought about anything beyond this game to be honest. I’m just thinking about each and every game as it comes. Just trying to enjoy it. I want to play in a World Cup for Wales, not just for myself, but for the country as a whole. I think it would be an incredible experience for the nation,”
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