Shoot! would like to wish Nicklas Bendtner many happy returns as the Denmark international striker celebrates his 29th birthday today!

The Nottingham Forest forward, who has previously played for the likes of Wolfsburg, Juventus, Sunderland and Birmingham City respectively, has earned a cult following after his playing career with Premier League side Arsenal between 2005 and 2014 – being nicknamed as “Lord Bendtner” by his adoring Gunners.

The Danish star joined Arsenal’s youth ranks in the summer of 2004 after they scouted the youngster playing for  F.C. Copenhagen’s feeder club Kjøbenhavns Boldklub.

He went on to score 47 goals and provide 22 assists in 171 appearances for Arsene Wenger’s side, winning the 2014 FA Cup, although Bendtner didn’t feature in the final at Wembley Stadium against Hull City.

But to honour his Highness’ latest milestone, Shoot! have picked out 5 thing you may not know about the current Forest forward…

Part of elite group of Arsenal aces

Bendtner became only the third Arsenal player to score a hat-trick in the UEFA Champions League after netting three times against FC Porto back in March 2010 – where the Gunners ran out 5-0 winners in their last-16 second leg.

He joined Thierry Henry and Alan Smith in this exclusive group, whilst Danny Welbeck, Olivier Giroud and Mesut Ozil have all scored terrific trebles in the European club competition since.

Shirt number switch

In August 2009, Bendtner changed his shirt number from 26 to 52 – reportedly to honour his new £52,000-a-week deal with Arsenal.

No need to gloat!

Fastest strike by a substitute

Photo: Mark Leech / Offside.

On December 22, 2007; the Arsenal forward set an English record by scoring just 1.8 seconds after coming on as a late substitute against North London rivals Tottenham Hotspur.

With the game level at 1-1 after 74 minutes, Arsene Wenger threw on Bendtner in place of Emmanuel Eboue, with Cesc Fabregas patiently waiting to take a corner kick.

The Dane rose highest from the following set piece to powerfully head home the eventual derby winner – obviously, his first touch of the ball! Class.

Royal engagement

Photo: Mark Leech / Offside.

Many football fans know Bendtner is often referred to as “Lord Bendtner”, but don’t actually know why…

It is because the former Gunner used to be engaged to former Baroness, Caroline Iuel-Brockdorff, a close friend of the Danish Royal Family.

In December 2010, Bendtner became a father for the first time after Iuel-Brockdorff gave birth to their son.

The couple split up just seven weeks later.

League winner

Sorry Arsenal fans, even Bendtner has won a league title since the Gunners’ ‘Invincible’ campaign of 2003-04!

In the summer of 2012, Arsene Wenger loaned out the forward to Juventus, with an option the make the transfer permanent at the end of the 2012-13 season.

Despite failing to score in 11 appearances in all competitions for the Italian giants, the Dane was part of the squad that won the Serie A title, finishing nine points clear of Napoli.

Although Juve didn’t want to make his switch permanent, least Bendtner can claim he has won a league title.