5 clubs Gareth Bale could join next as he confirms he's leaving Real Madrid

Gareth Bale has confirmed he is leaving Real Madrid in an emotional open letter to the fans after nine years in the Spanish capital.

Bale said on Wednesday: "I write this message to say thank you to all my teammates, past and present, my managers, the backroom staff and to the fans that supported me. I arrived here 9 years ago as a young man who wanted to realise my dream of playing for Real Madrid.

"To wear the pristine white kit, to wear the crest on my chest, to play at the Santiago Bernabeu, to win titles and to be part of what it's so famous for, to win the Champions League. I can now look back, reflect and say with honesty that this dream became a reality and much, much more.

"To be a part of this club's history and to achieve what we achieved while I was a Real Madrid player, has been an incredible experience and one I will never forget. I also want to thank President Florentino Perez, Jose Angel Sanchez, and the board for giving me the opportunity to play for this club.

"Together we were able to create some moments that will live forever in the history of this club and football. It has been an honour. Thank you! HALA MADRID! Gareth Bale."

Bale is now on the lookout for a new club. Mirror Football analyses five possible destinations for the 32-year-old.

Cardiff City

Bale has never played for his hometown club but his agent Jonathan Barnett has admitted the Championship side are a possibility for his next move.

During his youth career, the Welshman left the capital as a 10-year-old to sign for Southampton - where he spent the next eight years before joining Tottenham. This move would fulfil a career-long ambition for Bale, and also provide him with the ideal location for international breaks with Wales.

Have Your Say! Which club should sign Bale this summer? Tell us what you think here.

When asked specifically about the Championship side, Barnett said: "We'll look and see in due course [about Cardiff]. But I repeat there are no options on the table at the moment. Cardiff has a lot of plusses. He's from Wales, his family are from there. From a personal point of view it could appeal.

"But I emphasise this is me talking, my views, not Gareth's. I have not discussed it with him."

Tottenham

Bale is most known in the Premier League for his two different spells with Spurs. He propelled himself into an elite footballer during his six-year stint in North London between 2007 and 2013, before re-joining the club on loan again in the 2020-21 campaign.

The Welshman has netted 71 goals across his two stints with the club and while it is unlikely he will return to the club for a third time, Bale could play an important squad role in Antonio Conte's squad next season.

DC United

An MLS club has long been suggested as a possible future destination for Bale with the Washington Post claiming that talks have taken place between the player's representatives and DC United.

It is claimed that the US club would be willing to pay the Welshman more than they did to Wayne Rooney during his time State-side. It would be an economic and sporting package which is likely to be attractive to the player, but he may wish to remain in Europe for the time being.

Newcastle

The Magpies are likely to be linked with more players than any other club in this transfer window due to their new-found wealth and willingness to strongly invest in their squad.

Bale would certainly bolster Eddie Howe's squad and their attacking options but it is unclear if he is a player who will be on their shortlist going into the window.

Milan

If Bale wishes to continue his continental adventure, the Milanese giants may be the ideal destination. They have shown a willingness to sign veteran attacking players in recent times - notably Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Olivier Giroud.

The Rossoneri are on the verge of the Serie A title for the first time in over a decade and will be playing Champions League football again next season, with rumours of a takeover to bolster their financial position.