Wales unveil statue of Gareth Bale holding 9-iron ahead of Latvia clash

The Football Association of Wales has  confirmed they will be unveiling a statue of legendary player Gareth Bale holding a 9-iron ahead of Tuesday’s Euro 2024 qualifier against Latvia.

Thought of by many as their greatest-ever player, the choice to immortalise Bale came down to a vote amongst senior officials as to which Welsh legend was most deserving to receive the honourary statue which will be situated outside the Principality Stadium.

Alternative suggestions were John Hartson kicking Eyal Berkovic in the head and an animatronic Neville Southall saying ‘well done, he’s 13’.

But it was Bale in full golf mode that won final approval.

“We are delighted the delegate party opted to go with a statue of Gareth as it’ll be a huge boost to our fans and the team having him here in some capacity, even if his mind is addressing an awkward lie off the 13th fairway,” a spokesperson told Paddy Power News.

“It’ll be an emotional moment for everybody to see this wonderful statue of our former captain and leader doing the one thing he loved the most – playing golf.”

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For Wales, having entered life after Bale, it seems all attention now turns to Nathon Broadhead who has been earmarked as the future of the national team.

Broadhead make an excellent start to his new responsibilities on the pitch by bagging a late equaliser on Saturday night in a surprise 1-1 draw away in Split.

A product of Everton’s academy, Broadhead has wasted little time showing his former employers what terrific operators they are in the transfer market by flourishing since leaving for Ipswich.

And along with doing the business for his country in the Euros qualifier, the 24-year-old is taking his responsibilites off-the-pitch seriously too.

Broadhead is said to be “excited” by the prospect of being ‘the new Bale’ and is understood to have spent a lot of time in his back garden working on his putting stroke in a bid to emulate his hero.

“Nathon is a good lad and would love to follow in the footsteps of Gareth,” a source told PP News.

He’s even told us he would be willing to join Real Madrid, win multiple titles, score in multiple finals, and still get attacked by his own fanbase.

“Ipswich gaffer Kieran McKenna has bought him an annual pass to the local driving range which shows he has the full support from his manager.

“We don’t expect him to stand in his way if an elite side comes knocking, or if he makes it onto the PGA tour.”

*Paddy Power’s breaking news coverage is 110% nonsense and that’s the truth. Honest.

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