THE £600 per night presidential suite at Wales' latest luxury hotel has been named after the country's most illustrious footballer.

The name John Charles, of Cardiff City, Leeds United and Juventus fame, has become a permanent fixture at Holland House in Cardiff. Mr Charles' widow, Glenda, made the trip from her home in Bradford to name the suite in her husband's honour.

She said: "It's very pleasing that so many people have paid their respects in very different ways since John died.

"He would have been delighted that he'll be remembered at Holland House, in a city in which we lived towards the end of his playing career." John Charles, or the 'gentle giant', as he became known in Italy, was one of the finest footballers Wales ever produced.

His career in football spanned three decades and took him from Swansea to Leeds, Juventus, Rome and Cardiff.

In 1957 he became the world's most expensive footballer when he signed for Juventus for a (then) staggering £65,000. During his five seasons at the club the team won three Italian league titles and one Italian Cup competition.

His reputation as the gentle giant (Il gigante buono) derived from the fact that in 155 appearances he was never once cautioned or sent off. Juventus still regards him as one of the 10 best foreign players to have worn its famous black and white shirt.

He ended his career playing for Cardiff City alongside his brother Mel. For Wales, he won 38 caps and scored 15 goals. He played in the World Cup quarter final against Brazil in 1958.

VIPs from the Welsh sporting world attended the naming ceremony, including chief executive of The Sports Council, Dr Huw Jones, and vice president of The Football Association, Peter Rees.

The presidential suite at Holland House is on the top floor of a 15-storey development.

It has panoramic views of the city centre and contains a master bedroom, guest bedroom, two bathrooms, expansive lounge, dining area, kitchenette and wide-screen TV.

Hotel general manager Ian Edwards said: "Holland House is proud to name its presidential suite after such a internationally-renowned player. "We are thrilled that Glenda took the trouble to travel all the way from Bradford to name the suite."