Gareth Bale's final act as a Real Madrid player receives standing ovation despite everything that's happened

Gareth Bale finally silenced the boos and embraced the cheers in his final act as a Real Madrid player late on Sunday night.

Bale, who had spent 24 hours playing a rare central role in the Madrid celebrations after winning the Champions League on Saturday night, appeared to earn the respect he so deserves as he was introduced to the Bernabeu crowd one last time at a special event to end Sunday's victory parade.

As he was called onto the field by the stadium announcer amid the spectacular setting, the jeers many would have expected didn't come. Instead, a standing ovation unfolded for a player who won a remarkable five Champions Leagues and 16 trophies in all during nearly a decade at the famous club.

Bale was later seen mixing with supporters and signing autographs - a far cry from some of the vitriol and abuse that has defined the final years of his career in Spain.

But, with Bale now departing at the end of his contract, a glorious weekend seems to have softened the stance of many who have questioned his commitment.

While the views of the Spanish media and fans have often been unpleasant, the friendship and admiration he has from his team-mates has remained throughout the difficult times, and it has been there for all to see during the past 48 hours. From warm embraces with club president Florentino Perez, heartfelt conversations with Casemiro and jokes with star striker Karim Benzema at the victory parade, many onlookers have been delighted to see Bale enjoying himself.

An article in Marca, the Spanish publication that has so often targeted Bale, even reads: "With his contract expiring soon, it would be one of the biggest ever shocks in football if the Welshman plays another game for Los Merengues, but fans should