Wrexham co-owner Rob McElhenney has said he can't bring himself to support Wales over his beloved USA at the World Cup, but admitted that a draw between the two countries would "work out very well".
The actor, who is from Philadelphia, was asked who he would be backing ahead when the two sides meet on Monday, November 21 as he attended a star-studded concert in New York, where he picked up a special international award from the people of Wales alongside Hollywood actor and fellow Wrexham owner Ryan Reynolds.
While the Always Sunny star admitted that he could not give a "fair answer" to the question of who he would choose to support over the USA and Wales, he was very clear about his wish for both teams to "beat the hell out of England" and progress from Group B.
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Asked if it was a fair question to ask who he was backing in Wales' first World Cup game since 1958, the actor replied: "It's a fair question, I don't know that I can give you a fair answer. This is where I was born, I think if I rooted against the United States I might be torn asunder."
"However, I feel like a draw between Wales and the US would work out really well. Then we both beat the hell out of England, we both beat Iran and then we move out of the stage."
To recognise their contribution, S4C partnered up with the Welsh Government, the Football Association of Wales and Urdd to present the duo with the "Diolch y Ddraig" (Dragon Award), which represented a "national appreciation for the sensitivity and respect shown by Reynolds and McElhenney to Wales".
Welsh fans have praised McElhenney for his "perfect" response to the dilemma. "Good answer boyo," said one fan on Twitter, with another writing: "I love it. He just 'gets it'." One person commented: "You've got to love the thought process he uses. Working for a better Wales," while another summed it up by writing: "Sounds absolutely perfect to me. I would accept that scenario now."
McElhenney made the comments at the 'Wales and the World' concert hosted by S4C in Times Square on Monday (November 14), which is part of a series of events celebrating Wales reaching the World Cup, as well as its links with the United States.
The concert, which also featured celebrities including Ioan Gruffudd, Mathew Rhys and Michael Sheen, saw Wrexham's owners awarded for using their global celebrity status to promote Wales and the Welsh language since buying the National League club two years ago.
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To recognise their contribution, S4C partnered up with the Welsh Government, the Football Association of Wales and Urdd to present the duo with the "Diolch y Ddraig" (Dragon Award), which represented a "national appreciation for the sensitivity and respect shown by Reynolds and McElhenney to Wales".
After receiving the award, McElhenney began his speech with 'noswaith dda', which translates to 'good evening', before adding: "Ryan and I would like to thank the Welsh Government, the Football Association of Wales, S4C, Urdd and all of our friends in Wales for tonight's honour. We accept this with the full recognition that this last two years have been the real honour."
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Reynolds continued "Rob and I, first and foremost, we're storytellers, and we are so humbled by the fact that the people of Wrexham and the nation of Wales have entrusted us to tell your story," with the Deadpool actor then asked to "try some Welsh", ending his speech with: "How about "Cymru am byth!" [Wales forever!] and up the town! Up the town forever, Rob."
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