In pics | After Euro 2016 dream run, Wales dragons welcomed home by fans - Hindustan Times
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In pics | After Euro 2016 dream run, Wales dragons welcomed home by fans

ByReuters, Cardiff
Jul 09, 2016 10:23 AM IST

Hundreds of thousands of supporters lined the streets of Cardiff on Friday to give a special welcome home to Wales’ European Championship squad.

Hundreds of thousands of supporters lined the streets of Cardiff on Friday to give a special welcome home to Wales’ European Championship squad.

The Wales team during the bus parade at Cardiff, Wales.(Reuters Photo)
The Wales team during the bus parade at Cardiff, Wales.(Reuters Photo)

Chris Coleman’s team, featuring in a major tournament for the first time since the 1958 World Cup, exceeded all expectations by reaching the semifinals in France before being knocked out by Portugal.

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Fans greeted the players and backroom staff at Cardiff Airport before the squad went on an open-top bus parade through the city.

Wales' Gareth Bale (centre) with team mates at Cardiff City Stadium. (Reuters Photo)
Wales' Gareth Bale (centre) with team mates at Cardiff City Stadium. (Reuters Photo)
(Reuters Photo)
(Reuters Photo)

“They are amazing scenes and we’ll never forget,” said talismanic forward Gareth Bale. “It’s very special seeing what it means to the whole country.”

“It’s an incredible feeling and there is no prouder honour than putting on the red shirt for Wales and to share it with all these fans is incredible.”

Wales players applaud fans at Cardiff City Stadium. (Reuters Photo)
Wales players applaud fans at Cardiff City Stadium. (Reuters Photo)
Wales players are paraded at Cardiff City Stadium. (Reuters Photo)
Wales players are paraded at Cardiff City Stadium. (Reuters Photo)
(Reuters Photo)
(Reuters Photo)

Midfielder Aaron Ramsey was also moved by the welcome home.

“To see all the support has been phenomenal,” said Ramsey. “Because we have been away from it we haven’t seen the impact it has had back here.

“We have heard from our families and stuff like that...but this is the first time we are experiencing any of this and it is really special.”

(Reuters Photo)
(Reuters Photo)

One member of the squad who missed out on the homecoming was midfielder Joe Ledley, who is in Ibiza to get married.

Wales' Ashley Williams signs autographs for fans as he arrives at Cardiff airport. (Reuters Photo)
Wales' Ashley Williams signs autographs for fans as he arrives at Cardiff airport. (Reuters Photo)

“We are so proud of what we have done,” said captain Ashley Williams. “We would never have thought it would create this big an impression.

Wales' Aaron Ramsey signs autographs for fans as he arrives at Cardiff airport. (Reuters Photo)
Wales' Aaron Ramsey signs autographs for fans as he arrives at Cardiff airport. (Reuters Photo)
Wales' Gareth Bale signs autographs as he arrives at Cardiff airport. (Reuters Photo)
Wales' Gareth Bale signs autographs as he arrives at Cardiff airport. (Reuters Photo)

“It is quite emotional really, a feeling of pride at what the lads and the staff have achieved.”

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