Arsenal cult hero Nicklas Bendtner’s amazing life since retiring, from dating glam Wag to launching a reality TV show
IT’S been a life less ordinary for Nicklas Bendtner since retiring.
The Arsenal cult icon, now 35, hung up his boots in 2021, following a spell with his boyhood club FC Copenhagen.
But he will always be synonymous with the Gunners – and was even spotted heading towards the turnstiles at the Emirates for Sunday’s game against Brighton wearing a retro top.
During his playing days, things were not always so straight-forward.
First, he admitted nearly becoming bankrupt after gambling away almost £5.4million in poker, including blowing £400,000 in 90 minutes at a London casino.
Then, he was placed under house-arrest in 2020 and had to wear an electronic tag for assaulting a taxi driver.
Since he said farewell to the game though, ‘Lord Bendtner’ is enjoying a luxurious lifestyle.
From once-in-a-lifetime trips accompanied by his Swedish girlfriend Clara Wahlqvist to kickboxing retreats in Thailand, wine-tasting with pals, and scuba diving in the Philippines – jet set doesn’t cover it.
While back in his homeland, Bendtner has become a reality TV star fronting his own prank show.
SunSport delves into the Denmark legend’s existence – with a hint of envy.
High-life
Bendtner’s instagram offers a window into how he spends his £7million fortune.
He loves designer clothes, and is a particular fan of Louis Vuitton’s collaboration with Supreme and Gucci.
It’s travelling the world and pursuing outdoor activities that have piqued his interest.
Back in February, he was pictured scuba diving in Palawan Island, Philippines.
Before that, there was a trekking through the ice mountains of Sweden on an excursion that would have appealed to Sir Ranulph Fiennes.
Then, skiing in the exclusive Austrian village of St Anton am Arlberg.
A holiday in Mykonos was the ticket to top up his tan, while a retreat in Thailand to brush up on his kickboxing skills was a clearly a must.
While wine-tasting, smoking cigars, hunting and horse riding are all additional hobbies Bendtner has taken on.
Sweet ride
The high-life wouldn’t be complete if you didn’t have an amazing car.
Through the years, Bendtner has been seen behind the wheel of some incredible motors, including an £120,000 Aston Martin he wrote off in 2009.
Amusingly, he was called “brainless” and “insane” for trying to buy a £300,000 Rolls-Royce, when he was released by FC Copenhagen and was unemployed.
That hasn’t stopped him from splashing the cash on a Porsche Taycan Turbo S – worth around £230,000.
However, he had the motor seized in 2021, and subsequently lost an appeal against driving convictions to get it back.
He was seen attending his court hearing last week in a more modest Volvo.
On social media, Bendtner also shared a snap of a glorious 1988 Porsche.
Amazing Wag
Ladies man Bendtner moved on from former flame Philine Roepstorff, who reportedly hooked up with Spider-Man Tom Holland, with another stunning model.
The object of his desires is blonde stunner Clara Wahlqvist – a former Miss Universe Sweden winner.
And she certainly knows how to make him happy.
Back in January, she jumped onto Instagram to wish him a happy birthday, while calling him “my favourite person”.
Accompanying her sweet message was a collage of photos of the pair looking loved up.
Clara has joined her beloved on many of his high-jinx jaunts.
And last year they became proud dog parents to a regal looking Doberman.
Could she be the one who tamed Bendtner and convince him to settle down?
Small screen fame
Although he is reportedly working towards his coaching badges, Bendtner is happy to take advantage of his fame in Denmark.
Going down the route of the Kardashians, he appeared in a reality TV show called Bendtner & Philine that followed his life and former romance with the Danish beauty.
Astonishingly, it ran for two seasons before they split up.
Bendtner then teamed up with Amazon Prime to present Nicolas Pranker – a show where he went undercover to prank mates and members of the public.
One hilarious moment saw the funny man convince someone off the street to help him steal a TV.
Game boy
During lockdown, and with his career at a crossroads, Bendtner turned to gaming.
He said it gave him a connection with the outside world, but it also prompted him to set up a business.
His addiction to Counter-Strike influenced a decision to set up his Prosapia eSport team.
Bendtner said: “When the coronavirus came and I was bound by isolation, I started playing Counter-Strike.
“It gave me a sense of connection to the outside world. My knowledge and interest started to grow.
“I learned about the esports industry, and the impact it has on young people who are working very hard to reach the top.
“That’s why I founded Prosapia eSport, so that my employees and I can help young and promising talent reach their goals.
“But most importantly, the Counter-Strike game brings me joy.”