Roberts Aims for Euro Success with Beloved “Lucky Moustache”
Connor Roberts, the Leeds United right-back currently on loan from Burnley, has an unusual lucky charm that he hopes will inspire Wales to qualify for Euro 2024 – his moustache. As part of the Wales team set to take on Poland in their play-off semi-final in Cardiff on Tuesday, Roberts intends to sport his facial hair, which has coincided with a fine run of form for both his club and country.
The moustache was initially grown as a joke after his wife suggested it last year. However, it turned out to bring good fortune as Burnley went on an unbeaten run. Roberts decided to repeat the experiment this year and has continued to enjoy success. “I’ve done the same thing this year and keep asking her if I should shave it off but she likes it, so I’m leaving it there,” he explained. “I think it has played about 25 Championship games and never lost, so I hope that continues in the Championship and maybe it gives us a bit of luck on Tuesday.”
Roberts played the full 90 minutes in Wales’ 4-1 victory over Finland in the play-off semi-final on Thursday. BBC Radio Wales pundits Helen Ward and Nathan Blake compared his moustache to that of Tom Selleck, the actor known for his role in Magnum, P.I. Others may argue that Roberts’ effort is more reminiscent of characters from Blackadder Goes Forth.
However, Roberts’ focus remains on the upcoming match against Poland at Cardiff City Stadium. Wales is aiming to qualify for their third successive European Championship, and Roberts, who has already represented his country at the previous edition three years ago and the 2022 World Cup, is determined to participate in his third major tournament. “For Wales, I’ve been lucky enough to be a part of big games. It’s another one on Tuesday night,” he said. “Life, football is about moments and Tuesday is another moment, a chance to achieve something, to make memories. That’s what we’ll be trying to do as a team and a country. Hopefully, we can all come together and do just that.”
The desire to win and qualify for the Euros is tangible within the Wales team. Roberts emphasized the significance of the game and the potential achievements that could follow. “We all know how amazing it would be if you win that game, what achievements going to the Euros could produce, the chance to create more moments in your life as a country, as a team,” he expressed. “We all want it so bad. We’ve experienced nights, tournaments where it’s just brilliant. Tuesday we have to win, we have to give everything. We all want another amazing moment, another amazing achievement for us.”
As the game approaches, Roberts will undoubtedly draw inspiration from his “lucky moustache” and hope that it continues to bring him success on the pitch. Whether it truly holds any power or not, it has become a symbol of his journey and determination to achieve greatness with his beloved Wales team.