Real Madrid secured their 35th La Liga title on Saturday with a 4-0 win over Espanyol. Needing just a point to be crowned champions, Madrid swotted aside Vicente Moreno's team to wrap up the league with four games to spare.
But Wales star Gareth Bale wasn't involved in the celebrations at the Bernabeu, which was the third dometic title the 32-year-old has won during his time in Spain. The international skipper revealed that a back spasm had kept him away from the ground, adding that he was gutted to miss the post-match festivities in the Spanish capital.
He tweeted: "CAMPEONES! So disappointed that I’m not able to be part of the celebrations this evening due to a bad back spasm but really proud of the team for winning the title! Enjoy tonight boys! #HalaMadrid."
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Bale was reportedly the only player to miss the coronation, with jubilant scenes on the pitch and on the streets in Madrid, but boss Carlo Ancelotti was keen to stress that the Welshman's back problem was so severe that he 'cannot move', according to the Daily Mail.
Real Madrid have five games left of their season, with a possible Champions League final to contest too, should they overcome Manchester City at the Bernabeu on Wednesday night. Bale's contract with the Spanish giants expires on the conclusion of the campaign, meaning his career with Los Blancos is fast approaching the end credits.
His relations with supporters and the media in Madrid over the past few years has been fraught to say least, with things reaching a nadir during the last international break. A Spanish journalist labelled him "a parasite", which prompted the former Tottenham man to hit back with a stinging statement on his social media channels.
Bale's footballing future will likely depend on Wales' fate in their World Cup play-off match with Scotland or Ukraine on June 5. Should Rob Page's men qualify for the tournament in Qatar, Bale will need to sign for a club in order to stay in match-fit condition. MLS side DC United have been strongly linked in recent days, while Cardiff City chairman Mehmet Dalman revealed on Friday that the Bluebirds would be "willing listeners" should Bale decide to return home.
