This is how 'homesick' Ronaldo and injured Bale spent Christmas Eve

Cristiano Ronaldo longed for a return home to Madeira on Christmas Eve, while Real Madrid team-mate Gareth Bale continued to work on his fitness in Wales.

Ballon d'Or winner Ronaldo suggested he could spend some time in his homeland over the festive period but admitted to feeling "homesick" during long periods away from the Portuguese island.

He posted on Instagram: "It’s Christmas... am I the only one who gets homesick at this time of the year?!

"It will be so nice to spend some days in my Island, Madeira, and experience all the fun and joy, typically felt around there!!! "

Bale, meanwhile, headed back to Wales for Christmas earlier this week and had already shared one video of him working to overcome an ankle injury.

The attacker has not played since picking up the injury in the 2-1 Champions League win over Sporting CP on November 22.

In a video captioned "Christmas Eve Work!" Bale demonstrated impressive balance on his good leg.