Brooks on fatherhood, Ronaldo and European nights

What the report says

Bournemouth and Wales midfielder David Brooks is facing a season full of notable firsts, according to BBC Sport Wales. The 29-year-old is set to make his European club debut with Bournemouth after the team qualified for the Europa League for the first time in their history, while also preparing to face Portugal and his childhood idol Cristiano Ronaldo with Wales in the Nations League.

The article says Brooks has also been reflecting on family life, with him and his wife Flora looking forward to their daughter Lottie taking her first steps. He described how parenthood has changed the early months after her birth and said he now enjoys seeing her developing a personality. The piece also revisits his recovery from Hodgkin lymphoma, which he was diagnosed with five years ago, noting that he later returned to action after treatment and now feels he has moved on from that period.

On the international side, Wales begin their Nations League campaign in Lisbon on 24 September under Craig Bellamy, with Brooks approaching a possible 50th cap later in the year. He said playing against top European sides is a chance for Wales to show they can compete, not just participate. BBC Sport Wales also notes that Wales are still recovering from missing the World Cup and are building toward Euro 2028.

At club level, Brooks said Bournemouth were disappointed by the departure of former manager Andoni Iraola, who has since moved to Liverpool, but he praised new head coach Marco Rose and said pre-season has gone well. Bournemouth open their Premier League season at Manchester City on Sunday, with Brooks calling the upcoming campaign one of “little steps and giant steps.”