Nicklas Bendtner looks unrecognisable as ex-Arsenal star shows off new look

Former Arsenal striker Nicklas Bendtner sported a surprise new look as he got involved in Denmark's announcement of their World Cup squad.

The Danes - aiming to progress from the round of 16 for the first time in their history in Qatar - have made their initial squad selection. Boss Kasper Hjulmand has left a few spaces free with a few further decisions set to be made just before the tournament kicks off.

Regardless, captain Simon Kjaer, former Leicester City captain Kasper Schmeichel and Manchester United playmaker Christian Eriksen were all named, as expexted. The latter makes his return to major competition for the first time since his collapse at Euro 2020.

Former Gunner Bendtner featured in the initial squad announcement released on Monday and sported an intriguing new look. The now 34-year-old was at the heart of a small segment as the likes of Thomas Delaney, Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg had their places confirmed.

He was pictured in a Denmark shirt with long brown hair, covered by a white bucket hat. The former striker is then seen punching his chest as the video continues.

Bendtner became a hero for the Danish national side during his playing days, earning 80 caps for the side and scoring 30 goals. Three of those strikes came in major tournaments having netted against Cameroon at the 2010 World Cup and secured a brace against Portugal at Euro 2012.

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The latter landed him in hot water however, having celebrated by unveiling a pair of Paddy Power boxers underneath his kit. The celebration saw Bendtner receive a one-match ban and an £80,000 fine.

But while the striker was a success on the international stage, he had an inconsistent career in club football. Starting his career at Arsenal, he made 171 appearances for the Gunners and scored 45 goals, whilst enjoying loan spells at Birmingham City, Sunderland and Juventus.

His stay in North London came to an end in 2014 with a switch to Wolfsburg, and went on to represent Nottingham Forest, Rosenborg and FC Copenhagen before retiring in 2020.

Ex-Gunners boss Arsene Wenger never attempted to hide his admiration of the Danish forward during his time at the Emirates. Speaking after a League Cup tie with West Bromwich Albion, the Frenchman said: "Nicklas can be an unstoppable striker.

"I personally believe in his qualities, and now he has the chance to convince everybody else. Fans forgive you everything as long as you produce the performances on the football pitch."

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