> قال. "ثم مشاهدة ناديي يمر بصعوبات وفشل بلدي في التأهل — كان ذلك عاطفياً، ومُنهِكاً، وصعباً حقاً."

Speaking after the match, he reflected candidly on the psychological weight of being unable to contribute: "It's been very tough. 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. 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."

But Roberts said the experience has ultimately sharpened his appreciation for his career. "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," he added.

Wales struggle continues

Roberts was introduced in the 60th minute by head coach Craig Bellamy, with Wales trailing. Fellow substitute David Brooks equalised just three minutes after coming on, cancelling out Florinel Coman's opener at Stadionul Steaua. However, Adrian Rus struck in the 80th minute to hand Romania — enjoying their first win since football legend Gheorghe Hagi took charge in April — a 2-1 victory.

The defeat left Wales without a win in four matches in 2026, and extended their winless run in away friendlies to 17 games — a sequence that stretches all the way back to November 2008.

Despite the result, the 64-cap international was upbeat about his return. "Personally for me, it's brilliant to be back," Roberts said. "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."