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Bale retires from football at the age of 33, with 5 Champions League titles, many Wales memories

FILE - Real Madrid's Gareth Bale celebrates with the trophy after winning the Champions League Final soccer match between Real Madrid and Liverpool at the Olimpiyskiy Stadium in Kiev, Ukraine, Saturday, May 26, 2018. (AP Photo/Pavel Golovkin, File)

Gareth Bale announced his retirement from soccer on Monday at the age of 33, ending the career of one of Britain's greatest players after winning five Champions League titles and finally getting to play in a World Cup for Wales.

Bale was once the world's most expensive player when he joined Real Madrid for $132 million in 2013 and, alongside Cristiano Ronaldo, was a devastating forward capable of surging runs and brilliant goals with his powerful left foot.

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