‘I walked around in a Wales

No matter what language you speak, what country you’re from, what colour or creed you are, there is an international greeting used specifically for Welsh people in Qatar, writes Sion Morgan in Doha.

It consists of three words delivered with a fair degree of enthusiasm. Ahhh Gareth Bale.

You can’t have an argument with me about who Wales’ greatest sportsman ever is. That debate is done. His global standing has done more for Wales’ profile on the international stage than just about anyone else I can think of in any field. And now Wales is eating at the top table of world football. And it matters. Because when I was young people from other countries did not generally know where Wales was. That’s not an understatement. I’ve had to explain it to plenty of people over the years.

And yet, when I’m walking around Qatar and meeting people from all over this planet, they know exactly where I’m from and where that is. Ahhhh Gareth Bale. That’s how they tell me. Again and again.

And you know what, when I was out in Doha this week wearing my Wales football shirt for the first time, the experience was absolutely joyful.

Firstly I was accosted by a police officer. Here we go. What have I done now? Then a great big beaming smile breaks out. “I studied at Swansea University.” Of course you did. I wasn’t going to travel halfway around the world and not instantly bump into someone from back home was I?

It turns out our law enforcement officer loves Wales. And he’s not the last to make this declaration today.

Next a man is running towards me wearing a high-vis vest. “Picture, picture” he shouts, pointing at my phone. Turns out my new friend is from Ghana, he’s working on the infrastructure here. We shake hands after agreeing that Wales will beat Ghana in the World Cup final. “I will be very happy if we meet again,” he