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Gareth Bale receives standing ovation from jubilant Real Madrid fans as final act after five Champions League wins
GARETH BALE received a standing ovation in his final act as a Real Madrid player.
The Welshman was introduced to the Bernabeu crowd for the last time as part of Real's Champions League final victory parade celebrations in Madrid on Sunday night.
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Many expected jeers for Bale because he was booed by Real fans on his previous appearance in the Spanish capital against Getafe on April 9.
But the five-time Champions League winner, who was an unused substitute against Liverpool, finally earned the respect from the Bernabeu faithful as he was cheered after being called to the podium in the centre of the pitch.
In response, Bale applauded the fans back in a rare sign of affection between the two.
Bale leaves the 14-time European champions when his contract expires next month on a high after a glittering nine years since leaving Tottenham for £86million back in 2013.
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As well as the Euro success, Bale won a total of 16 trophies for Real.
And the Wales captain was later seen signing autographs, shirts and scarves for supporters as the kings of Europe celebrated on the pitch.
After Saturday's final, Bale had a warm embrace with president Florentino Perez before he collected his medal in Paris.
Then back in the dressing room area a smiling Bale gave a five finger gesture to signal his successes in Europe's biggest competition.
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The 32-year-old also lifted the trophy in 2014, 2016, 2017 and 2018 but played for just seven minutes in the Champions League this season.
Now Bale is bidding to lead Wales to their first World Cup finals in 64 years if they beat Scotland or Ukraine in Sunday's play-off final.
Wales also have a Nations League opener against Poland in Wroclaw on Wednesday.
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