Wales boss Rob Page has led calls for a statue to be built in honour of Gareth Bale after the star announced his retirement from football.
The former Tottenham Hotspur and Real Madrid forward enjoyed a trophy-laden club career that saw him win five Champions Leagues, three Spanish league titles and numerous individual accolades, while he also scored 41 goals in 111 appearances for Wales as he led his country to their first World Cup in 64 years.
Bale, who moved to MLS side Los Angeles FC last summer, confirmed he was hanging up his boots with immediate effect, saying he felt "incredibly fortunate to have realised my dream of playing the sport I love", adding that it had "truly given me some of the best moments of my life".
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Numerous footballing figures are now calling for the 33-year-old to be honoured with a statue or by having a landmark named after him.
Asked if he would like to see a statue of Bale built, Wales manager Page said: "Of course, absolutely. Not just for what he's done for the football team but for Wales as a country, he has put us on the map globally, absolutely. He helped us qualify for the World Cup which has helped us raise our profile as a country and he deserves all the credit he's going to get.
"You've got to do something for him, he's been such a legend and an icon for all the children in Wales as well," he added. "So, why not, I fully support that, absolutely."
Former Wales striker Dean Saunders appeared on talkSPORT following Bale's announcement and claimed that the former Spurs man had "made the country better" with his displays, having "pulled rabbits out of the hat" for Wales during his international career.
"He's done more for our country than, I mean, where do you start with it?" said Saunders. "They should build a statue of him. Tom Jones put us on the map and people like Shirley Bassey and Anthony Hopkins, he's as big a legend as them. He's bigger than Rushy (Ian Rush), Rushy will admit. He's done more for Wales than anybody.
"I've watched nearly all of his games. He's pulled rabbits out of the hat for us over the years. He got us to the Euros, the first one we qualified for in 50-odd years, he got us to the World Cup for the first time in 64 years.
"What he's probably thinking to himself is, 'I've got to stop while people remember me as I was, because my body is stopping me sprinting and I can't sprint as fast as I used to sprint'. So he's called it a day.
"But I'd like to says thanks to him. I'm representing the Welsh public right now on the radio, I think the whole Welsh public would agree with me that he's inspired so many people, put us on the map and made the country better."
Wales and OL Reign star Jess Fishlock also called for a statue to be built in honour of Bale, describing him as "world class in every single possible way". She added: "[He] decided to take his national team and Wales as a country along for the ride. What a man. Build a statue."
Fans agreed with Saunders and Fishlock, with many demanding that Bale is 'given everything' to honour his services to Wales.
"Undoubtedly some of the best moments I've had watching football has been when Gareth Bale has worked his magic for Wales," wrote one. "If anyone deserves a statue for an impact on Welsh football it's him."
"Where’s the Gareth Bale statue going?" added another. "Name the Severn Bridge after him. Name the airport after him. Give him everything."
WalesOnline understands that discussions are yet to take place at the FAW as to how Bale’s contribution to Welsh football and the country may be commemorated. A Cardiff council spokesperson also said they were not aware of any plans as yet.
Tributes poured in from across the footballing world following the retirement announcement, with former Real Madrid and Spurs team-mates lauding Bale as a "legend". Madrid star Toni Kroos hailed the Welshman as "one of the best I’ve ever played with," while John Hartson claimed he was "the greatest Welsh footballer of all time".
Famous fans also thanked Bale for all he had done over his career, with comedian and Wales supporter Elis James taking to Twitter to pay tribute, writing: "He’s retired. He gave Welsh fans moments we never thought we’d have. He’s the best we’ve produced in 147 years of Welsh international football. I never got to see John Charles in action, but I got to see plenty of Bale. Diolch, Gareth."
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