Bale reveals family issue led to his decision to retire

GARETH BALE has revealed a family health issue ultimately pushed him to announce his shock retirement from football at just 33.

- GLEN WILLIAMS

The Wales icon stunned the sporting world when he called time on his glittering career in January 2023, only weeks after Wales' disappointing World Cup exit in Qatar. At the time, Bale spoke about feeling "fortunate" and having achieved his dreams, but has now admitted there was a far deeper reason behind his decision.

Speaking to GQ, Bale explained that his father Frank's illness made him realise his priorities needed to shift away from football.

"My dad got ill and that played a massive role in my decision," he said. "People don’t know what anyone's going through at home, but I soon realised there’s more to life than just football."

He said of the importance of family: "Our kids, our life, our marriage, our family, our friends, these things are most important. The things you were so worried about in football I now look back and laugh at it but at the time you get anxious, you get nervous, you don’t enjoy it."