King Juan Carlos I issued a stern message to the Spanish media this week after returning to the country for a regatta event. The former monarch, who abdicated in 2014, spent six days in Galicia last week with friends and family.

During his visit, Juan Carlos participated in the Xacobeo Trophy regatta aboard the Bribón, coming in at third place. However the 87-year-old did not seem to be as mobile as he used to be, and was seen having difficulty walking.

As reported by Monarquia Confidencial, when asked about this and the condition of his health, he sternly told the local media: "I'm fine. You can tell all the lies you want, but I'm fine. You see, I'm not in a wheelchair.”

The former monarch’s return to the country is one of a number he has made over the years, having spent the last five years living in exile in the United Arab Emirates.

It is believed he has largely avoided his home country since he abdicated, which came about after he faced accusations of corruption. Juan Carlos has always denied the claims.

During his recent stay in Spain last week, Juan Carlos stayed in the Pontevedra town at the home of his friend and host Pedro Campos.

While his son King Felipe did not pay him a visit, the former monarch did meet up with a number of other relatives, including his sister Infanta Margarita, Duchess of Soria, and her family.

He then left Sanxenxo on Saturday and was believed to be on his way to Cascais in Portugal, with rumours that he may move there.

It is believed the former monarch will not move back to Spain, however would like to remain somewhere nearby.

Spanish news site, Monarquía Confidencial, reported that the former monarch had previously said: “If I remain in exile, let it be close to Spain, like my father."

So far this year, Juan Carlos - also known as King Emeritus - has made three visits to Sanxenxo.