Real Madrid bid farewell to Bale: Forever be part of the club's legacy

Real Madrid have issued a statement on their website as they bid farewell to Gareth Bale, who hours earlier had done the same, after nine years at the club.

The Real Madrid statement on Gareth Bale is as follows...

"Real Madrid would like to express its sincere gratitude and affection to Gareth Bale, a player who will forever be part of the club's legacy," Real Madrid's statement began.

"Since he joined Real Madrid on 2 September 2013 at the age of 24, he has experienced one of the most glorious eras in our history.

"During his time at Real Madrid, he has collected 19 trophies: five European Cups, four Club World Cups, three UEFA Super Cups, three LaLiga titles, one Copa del Rey and three Spanish Super Cups.

"On an individual level, he was named Best Player of the 2018 Champions League Final and won the Golden Ball at the Club World Cup in the same year.

"In addition to his impressive silverware, Gareth Bale will be remembered by all Real Madrid fans for his wonderful and decisive goals such as his unforgettable header in the Champions League final in Lisbon, his amazing solo run in the final of the Copa del Rey in Valencia and his iconic overhead kick in the final of the Champions League in Kiev, where we secured La Decimotercera.

"Real Madrid is and always will be his home, and we would like to wish him and all his family the best of luck for the future."

Isco announcement

At the same time, Los Blancos also bid farewell to Isco in another announcement that recognises the player's career with the club

"Real Madrid would like to express its sincere gratitude and affection to Francisco Alarcon ('Isco'), who during these nine years he has spent wearing our shirt and defending our crest has become a legend of our club," the statement read.

"He joined Real Madrid when he was just 21 years old and during this spell at the club he has been part of an era that will remain in the memory of all madridistas and football fans.

"Isco has lifted 19 trophies in a glittering career with our team: five European Cups, four Club World Cups, three UEFA Super Cups, three LaLiga titles, one Copa del Rey and three Spanish Super Cups. He was also named Best Player of the 2017 European Super Cup Final.

"His football made a lasting impression on all the madridistas who have accompanied him on this successful journey with so many unforgettable moments.

"Real Madrid is and always will be his home, and the club wishes him and all his family the best of luck for the future."