FORMER Saint 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 Wales captain 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.

Daily Echo: Former Saints star Gareth Bale (Pic: PA)Former Saints star Gareth Bale (Pic: PA)

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

He continued: “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.”

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

He made 45 appearances for Saints, scoring five times and registering 12 assists. The Wizard was playing as a left-back, before moving further forward at Spurs.

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 four years later, the first of which was a stunning overhead kick.

He inspired Wales to qualification for the 2016 and 2020 European Championships, and will lead the way in their World Cup play-off final on Sunday.

Bale donated over one million euros to hospitals in Wales and Spain in April 2020 in the early stages of the COVID pandemic, and has also supported other charities in his home country.

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