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Wales manager Chris Coleman to be offered freedom of Swansea

Wales manager Chris Coleman is awarded with freedom of Swansea following the team's semi-final charge at Euro 2016.

Wales manager Chris Coleman will be offered the freedom of Swansea after his nation's display at Euro 2016.

The team, who were competing in their first major tournament since 1958, reached the semi-finals in France, but were beaten 2-0 by eventual champions Portugal.

The management and players, including Real Madrid star Gareth Bale, returned to a heroes' welcome in Cardiff as thousands of fans lined the streets for an open-top bus parade.

Now, Coleman has been given the freedom of his home city Swansea, where he was born in 1970.

Lord Mayor of Swansea David Hopkins said: "Freedom of the city is the highest honour the people of Swansea can confer on one of its own. And after the amazing, incredible exploits of the last month in France, I think I can safely say everyone in Swansea believes it's richly-deserved.

"In interviews Chris has been saying he hopes the France adventure has fully established Wales on the footballing map. We can say it's not just Wales but Swansea too.

"To reach the European Championship semi-final is fantastic in itself. But the team has been outstanding ambassadors for Wales on and off the field, and the leadership Chris has shown truly demonstrates that being 'together stronger' is a story of shared experience and shared character we can all be part of."

Coleman made 160 appearances for Swansea City during his playing days and was capped 32 times for Wales.

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