Gareth Bale informed LAFC of his decision to retire on Sunday night
The Welshman talked to the people in charge at Los Angeles FC that he was not going to return for the 2023 MLS season over the weekend.
Gareth Bale helped Los Angeles Football Club win their first MLS Cup when, with his team a man down, he scored a 128th-minute equalizer to send the 2022 final against the Philadelphia Union to a penalty shottout. A goal that helped LAFC win their first MLS Cup in franchise history and added another trophy in the Welshman’s prolific career.
LAFC expected Bale to return
The 2022 MLS Cup winners started their preseason over the weekend and the only player that didn’t show up for training was the 33-year-old. LAFC co-president and general manager John Thorrington revealed that Gareth Bale called them over the phone, along with his agent, on Sunday to explain to them that he would not return for the upcoming season.
“I got a phone call yesterday [Sunday] from Gareth and his agent to explain his situation and his thoughts. The reality is that he is very convinced with his decision to retire and he explained to us why. We expected him to return, but we understand and we appreciate his time with LAFC. We wish him the best for what he did for this club,” said Thorrington.
Read more:
- Gareth Bale announces his retirement: A look back at his professional and international career
- Gareth Bale retires: What titles did he win with Real Madrid, LAFC, Tottenham?
- Gareth Bale retires: How old is the Welsh soccer player and why is he retiring?
- What happened to Gareth Bale at Real Madrid? The rise and fall of Bale with Los Blancos
Gareth Bale retired after 18 years as a professional and his last game was at the 2022 World Cup with Wales during the group stage. The 33-year-old couldn’t help the national team advance to the knockout stages, but he retired as one of the most accomplished and decorated players in the history of the sport.