Hal Robson-Kanu happy to be back among Welsh ‘family’

Robson-Kanu quit international football due to personal reasons in 2018 before informing boss Ryan Giggs in January this year he would again be available for selection.

The 31-year-old was duly selected for this week’s Nations League matches against Finland and Bulgaria.

He said: “Deep down I knew if I was ever in a position to return I would make myself available and it’s great to be back.

“I think people understand that different people are going through different journeys and different experiences.

“That was mine at the time, but it’s like I’ve never been away. We’ve got phenomenal relationships throughout the group and with the staff that were here before.

“It’s nice to be back involved and with the boys again and contributing with the success we’ve had. That togetherness is essential.

“It’s an extension of your family and you feel comfortable and supportive in an environment that allows you to flourish and be at your best.

“We’ve always had that as a nation and long may that continue.”

Robson-Kanu secured hero status with Wales at Euro 2016, scoring an iconic goal in the quarter-final win over Belgium.

But two years later he made himself unavailable for selection, citing family commitments and the mental and physical toll of spending time away with Wales as reasons for his decision.

He duly scored 10 goals for Albion as they secured promotion to the Premier League last season, the first time in his career he had reached double-figures in a single campaign.

Asked whether he now had any regrets over his decision to temporarily retire from Wales duty, he replied: “None, none at all. It was an important decision for me.

“The demands and pressures outside football, sometimes you need to take a breath and put yourself into a good position. That’s what I’ve done.

“Now I’m really looking forward to being back with the boys and back in the red shirt.”

Wales face Finland in Helsinki tonight and host Bulgaria on Sunday.