Gareth Bale Announces He Is Leaving Real Madrid 

Welsh star Gareth Bale has announced on Wednesday that he is leaving Real Madrid after nine years at the club, joined Los Blancos from Tottenham Hotspur in 2013 for a then-world record fee of £85.3 million, lifted five Champions Leagues and three La Liga titles during a trophy-laden stay at the Bernabeu. Bale penned an emotional farewell message on social media to confirm his departure. "I write this message to say thank you to all my teammates, past and present, my managers, the backroom staff, and to the fans that supported me," he wrote. "I arrived here 9 years ago as a young man who wanted to realize 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 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. "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 honor.
"Thank you! HALA MADRID!"