Fans across social media have joked that Gareth Bale is set to sign for the Saudi-funded LIV Golf series after retiring from football. Bale called time on his remarkable playing career on Monday via an emotional statement.
During his time on the pitch, Bale announced himself as one of the best in world football initially having his big break at Tottenham Hotspur after spending his youth career at Southampton. After impressing for Spurs, Bale banked a mega-money move to European giants Real Madrid.
Whilst playing for Los Blancos the Welshman racked up quite the CV, winning three La Liga titles, one Copa Del Rey, three UEFA Super Cups, three Club World Cups and five Champions League titles.
Despite his success, his time in Spain was often a love-hate relationship with the club’s fans and the Spanish media, leading to him joining MLS side Los Angeles FC last summer. The 33-year-old also proved to be a legend of his national team, guiding Wales to their first World Cup in 64 years in 2022.
In a statement, Bale said: “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.”
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Football is not the 33-year-old’s only sporting love though, with the Welshman known to be an avid golf player and fan. A key part to his fall in the Spanish capital came after Bale was seen celebrating with a Welsh flag after qualifying for EURO 2020 which read: “Wales, golf, Madrid. In that order.”
Known for being a handy player on the golf course, many have jokingly called on LIV Golf to sign the 33-year-old up. LIV has emerged as a new-found rival to the sport’s leading circuit the PGA Tour, receiving mega-money backing from the Saudi Arabian Public Investment Fund.
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Amid Bale’s retirement, fans were quick to link the Welshman’s name to the Saudi-backed series with one Twitter user – @whoslordhenry – posting: “So Bale is going to be transitioning to LIV golf right?!” Whilst @minto91 added: “Gareth Bale retiring from taking penalties to join LIV golf.”
Bloomberg journalist Vincent Lee joined the conversation, tweeting: “Waiting for LIV Golf to pay some crazy money to Gareth Bale to play a few rounds of golf,” before @jonnyrmcfarlane paid tribute to Bale by writing: “LIV golf’s next big name? What a player he was in his pomp. Surely amongst the greatest Brits to ever play the game.”
