Dejan Lovren has told Gareth Bale via his Instagram story that he should have said ‘goodbye’ the day before his overhead kick goal for Real Madrid against Liverpool in the 2018 Champions League final following his retirement.
The 33-year-old has decided to hang up his boots following a trophy-laden career with Real Madrid, including coming through the ranks at Southampton, making a name for himself at Tottenham Hotspur and ending his career in the MLS for Los Angeles FC.
Bale’s last kick of the football was his 111th cap for Wales when they were beaten 3-0 by England at the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar – the first time the Welsh outfit have reached the world’s biggest stage since 1958.
A scorer of great goals, the Saints academy product produced some memorable moments on the field, including his stunning overhead kick to help Real Madrid beat Liverpool in the 2018 Champions League final.
When Marcelo floated that cross into the box, no-one had a better view of perhaps Bale’s greatest-ever goal than Dejan Lovren himself, who was standing right in front of him before he proceeded to produce a picture-perfect moment.
Well, upon hearing of Bale’s retirement, Lovren sent the left-footed powerhouse the following message: “You should have said goodbye the day before this game,” said Lovren, as he accompanied the message with Bale’s overhead kick.
“Anyway, well done Gareth on a fantastic career! Respect.” added with clapping and shaking hands emoji.
A SCORER OF GREAT GOALS
Bale didn’t have the longevity in the game, but one thing is for sure, he has left a lasting legacy, especially in Wales.
He will go down as Wales’ greatest-ever player, one of the best British performers and a legend at Real Madrid, where he won five European Cups.
A scorer of great goals, whether it’s his first professional goal, a free-kick, in the colours of Southampton, his long-range rockets for Tottenham, his game-changing moments for Wales or his European Cup-winning strikes for Real Madrid.
When Bale finally puts his feet up, his goal compilation is going to be something seriously, seriously special.
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