GARETH Bale has announced his retirement from football.

The Wales star and greatest Welsh player of all time confirmed the news football fans had feared on social media on Monday.

He said: "My decision to retire from international football has been by far the hardest of my career.

"How do I describe what being part of this country and team means to me? How do I articulate the impact it has had on my life? How do I put into words the way I felt, every single time I put on a Welsh shirt?

"My answer is that couldn't possible do any of those things justice, simply the words. But I know that every person involved in Welsh football feels the magic and is impacted in such a powerful and unique way so I know you feel what I feel without any words at all."

County Times:

The 33 year old has made 111 appearances and scored 41 goals for his country and a career which saw spells at Tottenham Hotspur, Real Madrid and finally LAFC.

Bale added: "My journey on the international stage is one that has changed not only my life but who I am. The fortune of being Welsh and being selected to play and captain Wales has given me something incomparable to anything else I have experienced.

"I am honoured and humbled to have played a part in the history of this incredible country, to have felt the support and passion of the Red Wall and together have been to unexpected and amazing places.

"I shared a dressing room with boys that became brothers and back room staff that became family. I played for the most incredible managers and felt the undying support and love from the most dedicated fans in the world.

"Thank you to every one of you for being on the journey with me.

"So for now I am stepping back but not away from the team that lives in me and runs through my veins. After all, the dragon on my shirt is all I need."