Football star pays tribute to Warburton's career
REACTION: Real Madrid star Gareth Bale joined the tributes to Wales great Sam Warburton, who called time on his career.
Warburton had been expected to return from knee and neck surgery but was unable to fully recover, instead opting to retire from rugby after a glittering career with Cardiff Blues, Wales and the British and Irish Lions.
Warburton, who spent his entire professional career with Cardiff Blues, making his debut for his hometown region in April 2009 and winning his first cap just two months later, will go down in history as the most successful British and Irish Lions captains of all time.
Real Madrid star Gareth Bale, who attended the same Whitchurch High School in Cardiff as Warburton, was quick to tweet his friend a message of support.
“Congratulations on an incredible career mate. Good luck for everything in the future @samwarburton_#welshlegend,” Bale wrote.
Congratulations on an incredible career mate. Good luck for everything in the future @samwarburton_ #welshlegend pic.twitter.com/QZknUjV28m
— Gareth Bale (@GarethBale11) July 18, 2018
Scott Williams, Warburton’s Wales teammate, also posted a tribute to the 29-year-old.
“Devastated with the news,” he said. “Absolute legend of the game and unbelievable career. Proud to have played under you! Half decent bloke, too,”
Devastated with the news @samwarburton_ absolute legend of the game and unbelievable career. Proud to have played under you! Half decent bloke too 😝 👏🏼👏🏼 pic.twitter.com/wiEYZF5yr8
— Scott Williams (@ScottWilliams_1) July 18, 2018
Wales and Lions legend Gareth Edwards added: “It’s been a shock to everyone, perhaps more for him than anyone else.
“I wasn’t expecting it. Am I surprised? The modern game, it is so physical. The hits their bodies take, I think you may see more and more players retiring earlier as the years go on,” Edwards told the BBC.
“Sam has played the game in one way; he puts his head in these dangerous places, he hasn’t been afraid to play the game physically.
“He’ll be a loss to the Blues because he’s a special player and a special captain but the most important thing is that Sam is happy with his decision and that he walks away from the game with everything ok.”
Cycling star Geraint Thomas, another former Whitchurch pupil who took the lead of the Tour de France on Wednesday, said he was stunned by Warburton’s retirement.
“Someone told me at the start of the stage, I was quite surprised actually,” said the Team Sky rider.
“But he’s had an amazing career, captaining the Lions tours undefeated, done what he’s done with Wales as well. Massive respect to him and I wish him well in whatever he takes on now.”
AFP & Rugbypass
