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By BEN WILLCOCKS Published: 07: 17 AEDT, 28 November 2024 | Updated: 10: 40 AEDT, 28 November 2024 10 View comments Tottenham and Wales legend Gareth Bale has revealed that he is 'loving' retirement almost two years after calling time on his glittering football career at the age of 33. Bale, who won five Champions Leagues during his trophy-laden years with Real Madrid, made a surprise appearance on TNT Sports' punditry panel ahead of the Spanish giants' clash against Liverpool on Wednesday and lifted the lid on his life after retirement. An avid golfer, the ex-Spurs star could not resist joking about his other passion outside football, explaining that he actually has time to enjoy the sport these days. When asked how life has treated him since hanging up his boots, Bale said: 'Nice to come back in a football stadium. I'm loving it (retirement)! I'm actually getting to play golf now instead of people writing about it. ' The 35-year-old, who announced his retirement in January 2023 shortly after captaining Wales at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, famously netted one of the best Champions League goals in history when he acrobatically scored an overhead kick for Real Madrid after coming on as a substitute against Liverpool in the 2018 final. Reflecting on the goal, he added: 'I still remember it now and it was genuinely going in slow motion watching it go in. Gareth Bale admits he is 'loving' retirement almost two years after finishing his glittering career The Wales legend joked that he's been able to play more golf since hanging up his football boots He scored one of the greatest ever goals for Real Madrid in the 2018 Champions League final 'It’s cool to look back on those memories. In my head I should have been starting. The fact I didn’t, I was more than upset. I came on with a point to prove. ' Bale admitted that a huge advantage of retirement was being able to spend more time with his family, joking that he's almost become a taxi service for his kids at times.   'It's been fun spending time with my kids - when you're playing you're constantly tired and sleeping in different rooms. Just been there for them really and having some family time. I'm on the app (Uber, to ferry around his kids). ' Bale's superb career was cut relatively short after the winger suffered a series of injuries in his early 30s, and his spell at Real Madrid came with many challenges a few years into his time at the Bernabeu. After breaking on to the scene with Southampton and subsequently excelling at Tottenham, Bale moved for £85million to the La Liga giants, joining the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo, Karim Benzema and Sergio Ramos in the Spanish capital. But the Welshman soon became an unpopular figure among a percentage of fans at Real Madrid, and the Spanish press at times took issue with Bale's love of golf, claiming he spent more time on the green than he did on the training pitch. Bale ended his nine-year spell at Los Blancos and joined MLS outfit Los Angeles FC in 2022, with many fans joking that the move would allow him to golf to his heart's content in California while dazzling supporters on the football pitch. Upon confirming his retirement the following year, the Wales legend said in a lengthy and emotional statement on social media:  'After careful and thoughtful consideration, I announce my immediate retirement from club and international football. The Tottenham and Real Madrid legend joined Rio Ferdinand (left) on TNT Sports' punditry panel Bale won five Champions League trophies during a memorable nine-year spell at Real Madrid The Welshman penned an emotional message to fans confirming his retirement in January 2023 'I feel incredibly fortunate to have realised my dream of playing the sport I love. It has truly given me some of the best moments of my life. The highest of highs over 17 seasons, that will be impossible to replicate, no matter what the next chapter has in store for me. 'From my very first touch at Southampton to my last with LAFC and everything in between, shaped a club career that I have an immense pride and gratitude for. Playing for and captaining my country 111 times has truly been a dream come true. 'To show my gratitude to all of those that have played their part along this journey, feels like an impossibility. I feel indebted to many people for helping to change my life and shape my career in a way I couldn't have ever dreamed of when I first started out at 9 years old 'To my previous clubs, Southampton, Tottenham, Real Madrid and finally LAFC. All of my previous managers and coaches, back room staff, team mates, all the dedicated fans, my agents, my amazing friends and family, the impact you have had is immeasurable  'My parents and my sister, without your dedication in those early days, without such a strong foundation, I wouldn't be writing this statement right now, so thank you for putting me on this path and for your unwavering support. 'My wife and my children, your love and support has carried me through. Right beside me for all the highs and lows, keeping me grounded along the way. You inspire me to be better, and to make you proud. 'So, I move on with anticipation to the next stage of my life. A time of change and transition, an opportunity for a new adventure. ' Published by Associated Newspapers Ltd Part of the Daily Mail, The Mail on Sunday & Metro Media Group