Gareth Bale has explained why he missed Real Madrid's La Liga title victory celebrations in a heartfelt message to his teammates.
Madrid ran out 4-0 winners over Espanyol on Saturday to win their 35th title with four games to spare.
Bale was notably absent from Los Blancos' post-match celebrations and the man himself took to Twitter to apologise.
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He said: "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."
A first-half brace from Rodrygo and goals from Marco Asensio and Karim Benzema confirmed Real would be bringing the title back to the Santiago Bernabeu.
Bale is set to leave Real as a free agent at the end of this season and his game time has been limited.
Injuries haven't helped, but the Wales international has started four league games all campaign and made just two appearances in the Champions League.
The 32-year-old never fully settled in the Spanish capital after arriving from Tottenham Hotspur in 2013 for a then world record fee of £86 million.
He's won 15 trophies overall, including three La Liga titles and four Champions League crowns.
News outlets in Spain have attacked the forward for his perceived lack of interest in Real for a number of years.
Marca called him a 'parasite' after missing March's 4-0 El Clasico defeat to Barcelona.
Bale read those comments and called them callous, while reflecting on the media's part in mental health issues among athletes.
His relationship with the fans is strained and many booed when he came on during a 2-0 win over Getafe last month.
Manager Carlo Ancelotti addressed the jeers and stressed Bale is still working hard to be part of the team.
"It didn't bother me that he was whistled at," he stated.
"He's training well and he wants to work hard and help the team. That's the most important thing.
"We need everyone and it's very important for the fans and the players to be united."
Topics: Real Madrid, Gareth Bale, La Liga
Daniel Marland