Gareth Bale: Rio Declares Real Madrid Legend the Greatest British Footballer to Play Abroad

• Gareth Bale recently called time on his illustrious football career which spanned 17 years
• Rio Ferdinand has now called the Welshman the greatest British footballer to play abroad
• Bale spent nine years at Real Madrid where the club won 17 trophies, including five UCLs

Manchester United legend, Rio Ferdinand has declared Gareth Bale the greatest British footballer to play abroad.

Bale enjoyed an illustrious football career spanning 17 years, that saw him win major titles including the Champions League, which he won on five occasions.

The Welshman started his professional career at Southampton, initially starting out as a left-back.

He later moved to Tottenham Hotspur in 2007, before sealing a stunning transfer move to Real Madrid in 2013 for a then-world-record transfer fee.

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It was during his time at the Spanish capital that he made a name for himself, forming part of the dreaded trio dubbed BBC - alongside fellow veterans Cristiano Ronaldo and Karim Benzema.

At Real Madrid, the 33-year-old won an incredible 18 major honours, including three La Liga titles and three UEFA Super Cups.

Rio Ferdinand praises Gareth Bale

In a viral video doing the rounds on social media, Rio has overlooked former Man United teammate, David Beckham to declare Bale the greatest British player to play abroad.

Beckham, like Bale, also played abroad with Real Madrid, who he joined from the Red Devils in 2003.

Speaking on who had the better career abroad between the pair, Rio said:

"In terms of career and trophies, Gareth Bale. 100% there is no doubt about that. Bale produced big moments to win big trophies. It is Gareth Bale. He is the best British player to go abroad."

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Bale retires from professional football

After 17 years as a professional footballer, Bale has decided to retire from the sport, Sports Brief reported.

The former Real Madrid and Tottenham Hotspur star spent the last season with Los Angeles FC in Major League Soccer, and most recently represented Wales at the FIFA World Cup.

Considered one of Britain’s greatest football exports, Bale won five Champions League titles as well as three La Liga titles.