Gareth Bale has penned an open letter, confirming his departure from Real Madrid.
Bale joined Los Blancos all the way back in 2013 for what was, at the time, a world-record fee.
The now 32-year-old has since enjoyed an up and down stint in Madrid. The Welshman scored 106 goals and provided 67 assists in 258 outings for the Spanish giants, netting some crucial goals in some big games, such as the 2018 Champions League final vs Liverpool.
However, Bale’s relationship with the Madrid fans and Spanish press turned sour several years back, leading to the infamous ‘Wales. Golf. Madrid.’ banner.
Now, with his contract up at the end of June and having played just seven games across 2021/22, Bale has officially called time on his career in the Spanish capital.
In an open letter published on Twitter on Wednesday morning, the 32-year-old said: "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 9 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 Bernabeu, 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! Gareth Bale."