Just 24 hours after grandad’s death
Wales’ Neco Williams reacts at full-time (Image: AP Photo/Darko Vojinovic)
Neco Williams played for Wales just 24 hours after his grandfather died in an emotional night for the star from Cefn Mawr, Wrexham. The defender was left in tears on the pitch at the full-time whistle following their World Cup opener on Monday night in Qatar, which ended in a 1-1 draw against the USA; Tom Coleman and Steve Bagnall report for North Wales Live.
Nottingham Forest man Williams was visibly emotional at full-time and revealed he had been playing against the Americans, despite suffering a personal tragedy, reports WalesOnline. After the match, he wrote to his Instagram: “Yesterday was the toughest news I’ve ever had to face, and that was listening to my mum tell me my grandad passed away last night.
“He’s been everywhere worldwide to watch me play football from when I first started playing at Liverpool at 6. He’d never tell me if I had a good game because he always said I have to get better each day, which is why I am where I am now!
“So I dedicate this game all to him because I know he’s up there watching down on me very proudly. For everyone, please cherish what you have with loved ones because you never know when it can get taken away from you.”
On the pitch, Gareth Bale’s penalty was enough to salvage a point for Wales, who were punished for a lackluster first half when Timothy Weah slotted home just before half-time. But Wales, not for the first time, showed their fighting spirit and fully deserved their first World Cup point since 1958.
After a poignant and tear-jerking national anthem, there was no shortage of emotion at full-time. Indeed, when the final whistle blew, Williams fell to his knees, struggling to fight back the tears as he tried to process what had just happened.
As he was making his way off the field, the former Liverpool starlet looked into the TV camera and said: “That was for you, grandad,” in another touching tribute. He then looked up to the sky as he walked toward the sidelines, where he was comforted by several of his teammates.
