Gareth Bale proud and humbled after being awarded MBE

Wales captain Gareth Bale has said he is “deeply humbled” after being awarded an MBE for services to football and charity in the Queen’s Birthday Honours list.

The 32-year-old is arguably British football’s greatest export after a trophy-laden nine-year spell at Real Madrid.

He became the first UK player to win the Champions League on five occasions when Real beat Liverpool in Paris on Saturday – his final involvement for the Spanish club.

Bale said: “Receiving an MBE in the Queen’s Birthday honours list is a very proud moment for my family and I.

“To be given this news as we prepare to celebrate the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee makes it feel even more special.

“I joined a football academy at the age of nine, so the sport is a defining part of my identity. I recognise the privilege of being able to do what I love, and for all of the incredible moments, experiences, achievements and memories football has given me. I hope I have been able to give just as much back.

“Football is my whole life and I am deeply humbled to be recognised by the Queen.”

I recognise the privilege of being able to do what I love, and for all of the incredible moments, experiences, achievements and memories football has given me. I hope I have been able to give just as much back.- Gareth Bale

The Cardiff-born forward, who is Wales’ record goalscorer, began his career at Southampton and joined Tottenham in 2007.

Bale was twice named Professional Footballers’ Association player of the year at Spurs before moving to Real in 2013 for a then-world record fee of £85million.

He won LaLiga three times among many titles with Real and scored over 100 goals, including three in Champions League finals – one against Atletico Madrid in 2014 and two versus Liverpool