Real Madrid Transfers: Gareth Bale said his goodbyes to Real Madrid on Wednesday and received another special honour, this time from none other than Queen Elizabeth II. In the Queen’s Birthday Honors List, the five-time Champions League winner, whose Madrid contract expires this month after nine years, was appointed a Member of the Order of the British Empire, or MBE. Follow Football Live updates with InsideSport.IN
Real Madrid Transfers: Last GALACTICO of Real Madrid Gareth Bale HONOURED by Queen Elizabeth II
Bale received the award for services to sport and charity while on international duty with Wales, which coincides with the 96-year-old monarch’s Platinum Jubilee festivities. On Sunday, the 32-year-old forward will face Ukraine in a playoff final in Cardiff in the hopes of leading Wales to its first World Cup since 1958.
He’s also seeking for a new club after declaring his departure from Real Madrid on Wednesday. He had no chance of re-signing with the Spanish champions, having fallen out of favour with the club that had signed him for a then-world-record fee of 100 million euros (now $107 million) in 2013 from Tottenham Hotspurs.
Bale, despite being Britain’s most decorated export, was unable to consistently perform to his full ability at Madrid, and endured harsh criticism from fans and the media.
Real Madrid Transfers: Last GALACTICO of Real Madrid Gareth Bale HONOURED by Queen Elizabeth II
Bale, on the other hand, ended his parting message on a positive note.
“I arrived here nine years ago as a young man who wanted to realize my dream of playing for Real Madrid,” he said in a letter posted on Twitter. “To wear the pristine white kit, to wear the crest on my chest, to play at the Santiago Bernabéu, 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.”
Bale scored in two Champions League finals, including a spectacular bicycle kick against Liverpool in 2018. However, he was absent from Saturday’s win over Liverpool in Paris, which gave him his fifth European Cup.
“Together we were able to create some moments that will live forever in the history of this club and football,” Bale said. “It has been an honor.”
He was a part of 19 trophies won by Real Madrid, including three Spanish crowns and four Club World Cups. He spent last season on loan at Tottenham, but the move did not help him rekindle his career in Spain.
Real Madrid Transfers: Last GALACTICO of Real Madrid Gareth Bale HONOURED by Queen Elizabeth II
“Real Madrid would like to express its sincere gratitude and affection to Gareth Bale, a player who will forever be part of the club’s legacy,” the club said. “Real Madrid is and always will be his home, and we would like to wish him and all his family the best of luck for the future.”
Bale was booed throughout his few appearances this season, and some even jeered him during the team’s title celebrations after winning the Champions League for a record-extending 14th time last week.
“I write this message to say thank you to all my teammates, past and present, my managers, the back room staff and to the fans that supported me,” he said, not touching on his feuds.
Real Madrid Transfers: Last GALACTICO of Real Madrid Gareth Bale HONOURED by Queen Elizabeth II
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