Ryan Giggs believes Wales' historic Euro 2016 campaign is just the beginning of a Welsh revolution after Chris Coleman's side suffered a 2-0 semi-final defeat to Portugal.
Quick-fire goals from Cristiano Ronaldo and Nani were enough to send Portugal through to Sunday's final but the former Manchester United midfielder, who made 68 appearances for Wales, remained positive about his nation's performances in France and heaped praise on winger Gareth Bale.
"Looking at the scenes there, (I'm) obviously disappointed, gutted," he told ITV1.
"But you can only say good things about this Wales side, what they've achieved, what they've done in this tournament. It's the end of the tournament but I think it's the beginning of Welsh football.
"They didn't play well but you have to give credit to Portugal, the amount of times they've got to semi-finals, they've got good players and they made it difficult. We could have played better but credit to Portugal.
"Bale is the best player, and a lot of pressure comes with that, and he handled that brilliantly. I expect him to break Ian Rush's goalscoring record, which when I was playing I thought nobody would get near."
Former Wales forward Craig Bellamy echoed Giggs' thoughts and felt Wales missed suspended midfielder Aaron Ramsey.
"It's been a great tournament, it really has and Ryan's exactly right, this is the beginning for this team," the 36-year-old said.
"I feel there's a couple more tournaments for this team. Maybe we won't see a semi-final but there's a lot of excitement to come from this team.
"We probably understated how important Ramsey was before the match, the effect he has on this team. It was evident today, it really, really was.
"We were waiting for something to happen in the game, then the first goal went in and then I thought we could take the game to them like we did against Belgium. But unfortunately for us they scored the second."
There were plenty of warm messages about the Wales team posted on Twitter after the game.
Wales FA (@FAWales): "That's it. It's all over. Wales have been exceptional during #EURO2016 & we can all be proud of our wonderful country. #POR 2-0 #WAL #PORWAL"
Robbie Savage (@Robbie Savage8): "Well done Portugal the better team , what a header by ronaldo , but the boys have made us all so proud of our country #cymruambyth"
Enzo Maccarinelli (@theRealEnzoMac): "Brilliant tournament by @FAWales achieved a lot more than any1 thought they would players and staff should be proud of their selfs"
Peter Schmeichel (Pschmeichel1): "Enough said, be very proud of who you are. #dignity #class #Wales @ Stade de Lyon."
David Cameron (@David_Cameron) "PM: Well done to @FAWales for their fantastic performance during #Euro2016. You've inspired a nation and made Britain proud."
Geraint Thomas (@GeraintThomas86): "Well the dream is over... But the boys have done themselves and Wales proud!! Fought until the end!!"
Chris Waddle (@chriswaddle93): "Unlucky Wales good tournament you become the 4th best British team after 66;90;96,good effort, credit to the fans"
Sol Campbell (@SolManOfficial) : "Well done @FAWales! What an incredible effort. I saw a team grow in stature before my eyes. #WALPOR #EURO2016"
Alan Shearer (@alanshearer): ".@Cristiano was the difference with a towering header. What a journey @FAWales. You and your fans were awesome. #euro2016 #Wales #POR"
Stan Collymore (@StanCollymore): "Enjoyed watching Wales in this tournament! Here's to all of the home nations getting to World Cup 2018!"
Source: PA
