Welsh legend Gareth Bale has revealed he played almost his entire career with a secret back injury that ultimately forced his retirement at age 33.
Speaking on the Stick to Football podcast, the 36-year-old disclosed he tore a disc in his back at age 18 while at Tottenham. The injury caused chronic calf issues throughout his time at Real Madrid and LAFC.
“I never came out and said this when I was playing because some people would say ‘he’s making excuses,'” Bale admitted. “It was manageable, but over time it caught up with me.”
Bale was often forced to brush his teeth while standing on his heels to avoid triggering a calf strain.
He says Real Madrid was aware of the issue during his record-breaking transfer in 2013.
After leading Wales to the 2022 World Cup, his final career goal, Bale felt he had “achieved everything” and retired in January 2023.
Bale ruled out a move into management due to the “long hours,” but confirmed an interest in club ownership.
He recently formed part of a consortium interested in his hometown club, Cardiff City, though the deal did not materialize.
