Wales and Burnley defender Connor Roberts says he will appreciate his career achievements even more following the struggles of his “draining” year on the sidelines through injury.
The right-back missed the entirety of the 2025-26 campaign due to an Achilles issue.
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He made his long-awaited return to action as a substitute in Wales’ 2-1 loss to Romania in Bucharest – 362 days after his most recent appearance for either club or country against Belgium in June 2025.
During his prolonged spell out of action, Roberts’ Burnley side were relegated from the Premier League while Wales also failed in their quest to qualify for the World Cup.
And the 30-year-old – who has represented his country at two major tournaments – said his inability to contribute proved mentally draining.
“It’s been very tough,” he said.
“It’s the first real long-term injury I’ve ever had so I’ve done well to get to the age I have without having one.
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“Then to watch my club not do well and my country fail to qualify, it’s been emotional, it’s been draining and it’s been really hard.
“I think now I’m back, it’s going to make me appreciate a little bit more the things I’ve achieved, the things I’ve done that I never thought I would, the things I’m yet to do and the experiences that I have from now on until I hang up my boots.”
Roberts was summoned from the bench by head coach Craig Bellamy in the 60th minute of Wales’ defeat by Romania.
The 64-cap international’s fellow substitute David Brooks levelled proceedings just three minutes after entering the pitch to cancel out Florinel Coman’s opener at Stadionul Steaua.
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But Adrian Rus netted an 80th minute winner as the men in yellow clinched their first victory since football legend Gheorghe Hagi was appointed boss in April.
It means Wales are without a win in four matches in 2026 while their winless run in away friendlies was extended to 17 matches – a sequence stretching back to November 2008.
Despite the disappointing result, Roberts was delighted to be back on the pitch representing his national side once again.
“Personally for me, it’s brilliant to be back,” said the Burnley defender.
“Some people are happy that I’m back, some people not so happy, but I am back and hopefully I can keep ticking over during the summer and go again next season for club and country.”
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