GARETH BALE has been hailed as untouchable after winning the Champions League for a fifth time.
The Real Madrid superstar was an unused substitute as Carlo Ancelotti’s men beat Liverpool 1-0 in Paris.
Bale celebrated winning his fifth Champions League with Real Madrid
The Welshman’s contract with the Spanish giants expires this summer
Bale got a hug off president Florentino Perez before collecting his winner’s medal – the final act of a glittering nine years with the Spanish giants.
And, after the final, he posted a celebratory picture of himself with the Champions League trophy and a five hand gesture to highlight how many times he has won the competition.
The Wales captain, 32, ends his Real career when his contract expires next month.
But Bale received glowing praise for his success in Spain despite not getting the chance to star on the pitch at the Stade de France.
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Liverpool legend Steven Gerrard, who was captain in the club’s 2005 Champions League victory and now Aston Villa boss, said: “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.
“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.
“It’s a shame that he never got a chance to come onto the pitch.”
Bale joined ex-Real team-mate Cristiano Ronaldo on five Champions League titles after the triumph in the French capital – clinched by Vinicius Jr’s second half winner.
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Bale and Ronaldo lifted the trophy together with Real in 2014, 2016, 2017 and 2018.
And Gerrard’s England team-mate Rio Ferdinand says Bale can be immensely proud of his impact in Spain.
Ferdinand, who won the Champions League with Manchester United in 2008, said: “Gareth Bale, I think he’s got to get a mention as well.
“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.”
Bale is due to link up with Wales ahead of their opening Nations League fixture against Poland on Wednesday.
Robert Page’s squad have been preparing at a training camp in Portugal ahead of five matches in June, with the World Cup play-off final against Scotland or Ukraine in Cardiff next Sunday looming large.
Wales sent Bale a message of congratulations on Sunday morning.
The official Cymru account tweeted: “Llongyfarchiadau, see you soon! 
#TogetherStronger.”
