But after scoring two goals, including a sensational overhead kick, to fire Real Madrid to Champions League glory against Liverpool, Bale was surprisingly frank about his future and finally admitted that he may need to leave the Bernabeu.
"I'm disappointed not to start the game," said Bale, who was also omitted from the line-up for the semi-final.
"I felt like I deserved it but the manager makes the decisions so what can you do?" said Bale.
"I need to be playing week in week out and that hasn't happen this season for one reason or another, I need to sit down in the summer and discus it with my agent and go from there."
Champions League final: The story of the game - in pictures
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And after securing his fourth Champions League trophy in five years, Bale was delighted with how a frustrating campaign had eventually turned out.
"I'm happy to get the win. When I come on I want to make an impact. We know how good we've been, it's been a great season."
Real Madrid vs Liverpool, Champions League final - player ratings
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Manchester United and Chelsea would be expected to lead the chase for Bale this summer, with Bayern Munich ruling themselves out of the running in recent weeks.
Former club Tottenham have first refusal on the 28-year-old forward.
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