Gareth Bale:John Hartson hails retired forward as 'the GREATEST Welshman' as tributes pour in

Wales icon John Hartson has led the tributes from players, clubs and pundits to Gareth Bale after he confirmed his shock retirement aged 33 - calling him 'the greatest Welsh footballer of all time', hailing him for bringing 'magical moments' to the national team.

Bale confirmed the news that he would be hanging up his boots aged 33 on Monday - retiring from all forms of football after competing with Wales at the Qatar World Cup - and club, players and pundits have been paying tribute to the five-time Champions League winner.

Hartson led the tributes to Bale after his achievements in club football and his profound impact for the Wales national side - calling him the best player who has ever played for the Dragons after starring for them at Euro 2016 and Euro 2020.

'Happy retirement @GarethBale the greatest Welsh footballer of all time and that’s saying something with the other greats we have seen. Magical moments, spectacular goals , unique talent.. and a proud Welshman.'

His former Wales team-mate Neil Taylor praised the legacy he had left on the international stage, adding: 'The greatest player I ever played with, the greatest player to ever play for Wales and Tthe greatest British player to play abroad.

'More importantly a real humble and down to earth Welsh man! His family are a lovely bunch and he’s been a credit to them! Rest up @GarethBale.'

Pundit Alan Shearer also left a touching message, writing on Twitter: 'Congratulations on an incredible career. Enjoy retirement.'

Bale's former club Tottenham were one of the first teams to pay tribute to the Welshman following the news - thanking him for his efforts during his seven years in total in north London.

'Thank you for everything, @Gareth Bale. Congratulations on an incredible career.'

His first ever club, Southampton, said: 'Here's to you, @GarethBale Congratulations on an incredible career.'

The Premier League's official account also paid tribute, saying: 'Congratulations on an incredible career, Gareth!'

LaLiga - where Bale played for nine years with Madrid - wrote: 'Gareth Bale has retired from football. What a sparkling career he has left behind.'

And former Real Madrid team-mate Rodrygo also took time out to wish him well in retirement, writing: 'Gracias @GarethBale.'

Bale's last club, Los Angeles FC, said: 'Forever a champion. Forever a legend. Forever Black & Gold. Congrats on a historic career.'

Confirming his retirement, Bale wrote on social media: 'After careful and thoughtful consideration, I announce my immediate retirement from club and international football.'

'I feel incredibly fortunate to have realised my dream of playing the sport I love. It has truly given me some of the best moments of my life. The highest of highs over 17 seasons, that will be impossible to replicate, no matter what the next chapter has in store for me.

'From my very first touch at Southampton to my last with LAFC and everything in between, shaped a club career that I have an immense pride and gratitude for. Playing for and captaining my country 111 times has truly been a dream come true.

'To show my gratitude to all of those that have played their part along this journey, feels like an impossibility. I feel indebted to many people for helping to change my life and shape my career in a way I couldnt have ever dreamed of when I first started out at 9 years old.

'To my previous clubs, Southampton, Tottenham, Real Madrid and finally LAFC. All of my previous managers and coaches, back room staff, team mates, all the dedicated fans, my agents, my amazing friends and family, the impact you have had is immeasurable.

'My parents and my sister, without your dedication in those early days, without such a strong foundation, I wouldn't be writing this statement right now, so thank you for putting me on this path and for your unwavering support.

'My wife and my children, your love and support has carried me through. Right beside me for all the highs and lows, keeping me grounded along the way. You inspire me to be better, and to make you proud.

'So, I move on with anticipation to the next stage of my life. A time of change and transition, an opportunity for a new adventure.'

Bale will retire as the Wales' top goalscorer and the most capped player in Welsh history. He played 203 times for Tottenham - winning both PFA player of the year and PFA young player of the year in 2012-13 after scoring 26 times in his final season.

He then moved to Real Madrid in in 2013 - where he would win everything in sight, including LaLiga three times, the Champions League five times. He finished with 258 appearances for Los Blancos, scoring 106 times.

Bale finished his career with Los Angeles FC, playing 13 games and scoring three times before going to the World Cup with Wales, where he would score once before the team crashed out in the groups.