13 hours ago
Huge mural unveiled of Wales star Jess Fishlock in Cardiff ahead of Women's Euros
A huge pitch-sized mural of Wales legend Jess Fishlock has been unveiled to celebrate her impact on football, ahead of this summer's Euros tournament in Switzerland.
The tribute to Wales' most-capped footballer and top goal-scorer is painted across a pitch in Splott Football Park, in the footballer's home city of Cardiff.
It is the first of its kind in Europe for a female footballer and was designed by Cardiff illustrator Regan Gilflin and brought to life by UNIFY, the studio behind the 'My City, My Shirt' and the Gary Speed murals in the capital.
Fishlock, who is preparing for this summer's tournament, said: "It's just class. It's almost kind of emotional when you look at something like this being made in your country and in a place where, when I was a kid, playing football, this area in Splott is where we used to play our home games.
"I spent years in that area playing football when I was a young girl. For this to have so much meaning, it is a little bit emotional."
The Wales squad is training in Portugal ahead of their first game on July 5 against the Netherlands. Rhian Wilkinson's Wales side will then face France and defending champions England in the group stages of what is Wales' first ever major tournament appearance.
A Football Association of Wales spokesperson said: "This incredible artwork by Regan Gilflin and UNIFY's Yusuf Ismail and Shawqi Hasson is a powerful tribute to one of Cymru's greatest ever players. As the first pitch mural of a female footballer in Europe, it stands as a landmark for visibility, belonging and pride, showing every child that they have a place in the game.
'The Cymru national team's higher purpose is, 'to play for change. To play to inspire. For Us. For Them. For Her.' Jess Fishlock lives that purpose, honouring the trailblazers who came before her, inspiring today's heroes and empowering future generations."
