Gareth Bale's Real Madrid career is now over, and it ended in bittersweet fashion for the Wales captain.
The Spanish giants beat Liverpool 1-0 in the Champions League final in Paris on Saturday night, and although Bale was named among the substitutes at the Stade de France, he did not make it off the bench, with boss Carlo Ancelotti overlooking the 32-year-old.
It brought to an end his stay in the Spanish capital - and his glittering, trophy-laden stint with Los Blancos. He won a total of 19 trophies during his career in Spain, with his tally of Champions League successes now standing at five.
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Taking to Instagram last night, he posted a picture of himself holding the Champions League trophy in one hand and the other revealing the number of European titles he's now won - five. The caption was simple and rather apt: "5 #HalaMadrid."
Bale was involved in the post-match celebrations on the pitch in Paris, joining his team-mates for the trophy lift. There were smiles and embraces with players, including Brazilian Casamerio, who has previously spoken out in support of the Welshman when he was booed and whistled by supporters at the Bernabeu earlier on this year. There was also a warm hug from Real president Florentino Perez when the medals were handed out on the podium.
It's clear that despite Bale's troubles in Spain - where he was hounded by the media and supporters - he remained a popular player in the dressing room among his peers.
After nine years with the European giants, Bale is now a free agent and he is set to make a decision on his future after Wales' World Cup play-off final match with either Scotland or Ukraine next weekend. Hometown club Cardiff City have been heavily linked.
He was praised by BT Sport pundits Rio Ferdinand and Steven Gerrard in the aftermath of the game.
"Gareth Bale, I think he's got to get a mention as well," Ferdinand said. "Five Champions Leagues. He's not leaving on fantastic terms with the fans, but he's played a part in the history of this football club.
"There's not many more people that can say they've had bigger influences and impacts in games and big stages like this."
"It's a shame that he doesn't get the appreciation he deserves in terms of the contribution over that period and what he's going to go away with in terms of his CV," added the Aston Villa boss. "It's a shame that he never got a chance to come on to the pitch tonight. In time and in years to come, he'll look back and think 'I've won this five times'. No-one can say anything towards him."
