Gareth Bale was told his role in Wales “would change” before deciding to retire

Wales boss Rob Page has revealed he has told Gareth Bale “it’s the right time to retire” following the superstar’s surprise departure on Monday afternoon.

The former Santiago Bernabeu star ended an illustrious career of winning five Champions Leagues, three LaLiga and three Club World Cups in an emotional post on social media.

The announcement shocked many given Bale had only signed for MLS club LAFC in the summer, but national team boss Page admitted the news “didn’t come as a complete surprise”.

Welsh legend Gareth Bale confirmed his decision to retire from club and international football

Wales boss Rob Page (pictured) admitted Bale’s decision was a ‘complete surprise’.

After BBC Radio Walesside said: ‘[Decision] didn’t really come as a surprise to me. I told him I think it’s the right time to say goodbye.

Asked if Bale would have been picked had he not retired, Pag said: “He would have played a part. The roles might have changed slightly.

“Would he be able to play 90 minutes in a row? Lessons have been learned from Qatar. Probably too big a question, he could have been a hitter coming off the bench.

As part of his retirement message, Bale refused to rule out a future collaboration with the national team.

Bale (L) was part of the Wales squad that played at the nation’s second World Cup

Page (L) and Bale stand together before a press conference in Qatar during the World Cup

The former Real Madrid and Tottenham striker will step down as Wales’ all-time top scorer and most-capped player in history – with 111 appearances in total.

Bale played the entirety of Wales’ World Cup campaign last month, apart from the second half against England, after suffering an injury and being substituted at half-time.

Against USA, the striker won a penalty – which he converted – but they parted ways by a draw. They then lost to Iran and England respectively.

In his retirement statement, Bale wrote a message only to Wales fans to reaffirm his passion for the national team and refused to rule out a possible return.

Bale will retire as the most-capped player in Wales history – with 111 appearances in total

“To my Welsh family… My decision to retire from international football was by far the hardest of my career,” he wrote.

“How do I describe what it means to me to be a part of this country and this team? How do I articulate the impact it has had on my life? How can I put my feelings into words every time I put on this Welsh shirt?

“My answer is that I couldn’t possibly do these things justice in words. But I know every person involved in Welsh football feels the magic and is impacted in such a powerful and unique way, so I know you feel what I feel without using any words.

“So I’m stepping back for now, but not away from the team that lives within me and runs through my veins. After all, the dragon on my shirt is all I need.”