By Martin Graham
Former Tottenham and Real Madrid star Gareth Bale has said he dealt with a hidden injury for most of his professional career, explaining that the issue eventually contributed to his decision to retire.
The 36-year-old forward enjoyed enormous success during his time with Real Madrid, collecting five UEFA Champions League titles and becoming one of the most decorated British players in the modern era.
Bale ended his playing career at the age of 33 shortly after representing the Wales national football team at the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar.
Speaking on the Stick to Football podcast, he revealed that the root of the problem dated back to his teenage years at Tottenham Hotspur.
“I tore a disc in my back when I was 18 at Tottenham,” Bale explained. “I played my whole career with it.”
Managing pain and repeated calf injuries
Bale said the back condition was responsible for many of the calf issues that affected him during his playing days.
He explained that he avoided discussing the injury publicly while still competing because he feared people would interpret it as an excuse.
Although the condition could be controlled, the former winger said its effects gradually became more difficult to deal with over time.
His record-breaking transfer from Tottenham to Real Madrid in 2013 did not change the situation. Bale said the Spanish club were aware of the injury when he joined them.
Despite that, he remained a crucial figure during a highly successful period for the club, playing an important part in their dominance in European competitions.
The Welshman added that he had to be careful even with routine movements, explaining that he brushed his teeth while standing on his heels to reduce the risk of another calf strain.
Deciding the right moment to step away
Bale admitted he never knew when the problem might flare up, despite the effort he put into strengthening his legs to prevent further setbacks.
When the issue worsened, treatment sometimes included injections in his back to calm the pain.
On the international stage, Bale established himself as one of the most important players in Welsh football history. He finished with 111 appearances and 41 goals after making his debut at 16.
He inspired Wales to the semi-finals of UEFA Euro 2016, helped the team reach the knockout stage of UEFA Euro 2020 and scored the decisive goal against Ukraine national football team that secured qualification for their first World Cup in 64 years.
Reflecting on retirement, Bale said he felt he had achieved the objectives he set in football. Qualifying for the World Cup with Wales was the final goal on his list.
He noted that he had already been considering stepping away for several years before finally announcing his retirement in January 2023 after a spell in Los Angeles FC.
Life after football and interest in ownership
The former winger also revealed that illness within his family played a role in his decision to end his career.
He explained that he had been thinking about his future away from the pitch long before he officially stopped playing.
Since retiring, Bale has expressed interest in football ownership and was part of a group that explored the possibility of buying his hometown club, Cardiff City, last summer.
The approach ultimately did not progress, with the club deciding not to pursue the proposal.
Nevertheless, Bale said being involved in club ownership remains an attractive option for him.
He added that coaching or management is less appealing because of the long hours involved, saying he would rather pursue other paths after taking time to relax and spend time with his family.
