Wales boss Rob Page has revealed that he told Gareth Bale 'it's the right time to bow out', following the superstar's shock retirement on Monday afternoon.

The former Santiago Bernabeu star called to an end to his illustrious career - which saw him win five Champions Leagues, three LaLigas and three Club World Cups - in an emotional post on social media. 

The announcement shocked many, with Bale having only signed for MLS side LAFC in the summer, however national team boss Page admitted the news 'didn't come as a complete surprise'. 

According to BBC Radio Wales, Page said: 'Gareth messaged to say he needed a conversation. I knew it was something significant. The [decision] didn't come as a complete surprise to me. I told him I think it's the right time to bow out.

'I told him, "You've just scored in a World Cup and got everything on your CV, what you've done for this country is unbelievable".' 

Asked if Bale would've been selected, had he not retired, Page said: 'He would have had a part to play. The roles might have changed slightly. 

'Would he be able to play 90 minutes back to back? Lessons have been learned from Qatar. Too big an ask probably, he might have been an impact player coming off the bench.' 

'There's a mixture of emotions for me. I'm excited now because it's an opportunity to get some of the young ones through - players like Brennan Johnson to take the opportunity and step up to the plate - and get the next Gareth Bale.

'But there's also a hint of sadness because it's the last time we'll see Gareth Bale putting a pair of boots on for Wales.'

As part of his retirement message, Bale refused to rule out potentially working with the national team again in the future. 

The former Real Madrid and Tottenham forward will retire as Wales' all-time top goalscorer 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 getting an injury and being subbed at half-time.

Against the USA, the forward won a penalty - which he converted - but they were held to a draw. They then lost to Iran and England respectively. 

In his retirement statement, Bale wrote a message just for Wales fans to reiterate his passion for the national team and refused to rule out a potential return. 

'To my Welsh family... My decision to retire from International football has been, by far the hardest of my career,' he wrote.

'How do I describe what being a part of this country and team means to me? How do I articulate the impact it has had on my life? How do I put in to words the way I felt, every single time I put on that Welsh shirt? 

'My answer is that I couldn't possibly do any of those things justice, simply with words. But I know that 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 at all.

'So for now I am stepping back, but not away from the team that lives in me and runs through my veins. After all, the dragon on my shirt is all I need.'