Conner Roberts has looked back on an extraordinary part of his life as Wales prepare for their World Cup opener against the USA.
At the start of the year, Roberts was hospitalised with pneumonia, and the Burnley full back revealed how serious the illness was.
‘I had pneumonia, and I was in hospital for a few days. I was really, really struggling’
‘My wife was at home, and she was asking the doctors, ‘is he going to be okay?’. He couldn’t actually give her the answer that I was going to be alright because a high percentage of people who have what I had, don’t actually make it’
‘So, the fact that I am still playing, and can still do what I do, is a good thing.’
The industrious Roberts is known for his everlasting energy down the right wing, and he’s assured fans that the illness won’t affect his work rate.
‘I did worry about it because it effects the lungs and I had to have numerous scans. I was told from the people who read those scans that what I had was severe. It wasn’t a small thing’
‘I was a little bit worried. But when I came back for Burnley at the back end of last season, I felt sound. We have since qualified for a World Cup, so I can’t be doing that badly.’
Roberts has also become a father and no matter what happens on or off the pitch, he knows that there’ll always be a smile on his face at the end of the day.
‘My life has changed a lot – I’ve got a baby daughter now, so I play football when I get the chance and when I play, I try and do my best’
‘But if I’m useless, who cares? When I go home and see her, no-one can take that away from me.’
Roberts made his debut in the 2018 China Cup and every cap since then, he has made the right back position his own.
Now, on the cusp of appearing in a World Cup, he still can’t believe how far he’s come in his career.
‘I never thought I would ever play for Swansea. I never thought I’d get one cap for Wales, let alone 41. To represent the country at the Euros, and mange to nick a goal was amazing’
‘Now, to be at the World Cup . . . I said before the Euros that if Rob Page let me on that pitch for one single minute, I’d be happy. It’s the same this time around’
‘I just want to be able to play one single minute, just so that I can say that I played at a World Cup for my country. Hopefully, I can achieve that.’
Roberts is one of seven Welsh players in the squad who graduated from the Swansea City academy.
The former Swan has lauded his former club for the fact they have many internationals in this Wales squad.
‘It’s a massive achievement. There might have been a few more, too, possibly. It’s a testament to the Swansea academy and their coaches’
‘But it’s also more of a testament to every one of those individuals in this squad. They have come through from different backgrounds, but all worked incredibly hard to get here’
‘To look around and see those boys from nearby, who have been on a similar journey and played for the same club, it makes you feel very proud.’
The full back was also asked about his nickname, the Crynant Cafu.
The Brazillian defender is, of course, regarded as one of the great defenders of all time, but the quick-witted Roberts gave his response on the comparisons.
‘His record is decent, but he could only dream of being from Wales!’
Wales face the USA in Group B of the World Cup on Monday 21st of November, with kick off at 7pm.
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