Hal Robson-Kanu: Leaving Reading FC was best decision of my life

Hal Robson-Kanu has got the world at his feet after becoming Europe’s most wanted man.

Known for his rustic tackling and propensity for playacting, Pepe is a globally renowned defender whose abrasive approach divides opinion.

Robson-Kanu has been in superb form for surprise semi-finalists Wales during Euro 2016, with his spectacular individual strike helping Chris Coleman’s side sink Belgium 3-1 during Friday’s quarter final.

“You don’t really get much space against teams like Belgium but [with] the Cruyff it opened up a lot of space for me”.

“I’m aware of the interest in me now after what has happened”, he said. He will be hopefully seeing the back of my number a fair few times chasing after me.

“It’s one of those things, it’s quite a unique position but as a player my focus is on the next game and we’re taking it seriously”.

The 27-year-old may now be without a club, having scored 24 goals at Reading in nine years and chose to call it a day with them, but it is a measure of his confidence that he nonchalantly brushed off the question of winning the Euro 2016 Golden Boot prize on Tuesday “I didn’t look what the odds were at the start of the tournament for that”, he said. He knows what he is doing, but it holds no fear and I am relishing the game.

That match was supposed to be the end of their road, they had surpassed expectations already – enough is enough, on your way – until Ashley Williams equalised and then Robson-Kanu produced that moment of sheer genius to turn the match in their favour.

“Before the tournament there were offers on the table and I knew where I could potentially be going”. You are playing off instinct a lot of the time when you are on the pitch.

Prior to the tournament, Robson-Kanu was an injury doubt to play in the competition.

“There will be duels all over the pitch and it is about coming out on top and hopefully we can do that”.

“He says he is actually a nice guy, believe it or not”, he laughed.

“Yeah he has!” said the Arsenal youth product.

Yet in the most important match of his career – and in Welsh football history – Robson-Kanu is mindful of keeping his cool against potentially antagonistic opponents.

“Obviously it is important not to fall for any provocation, it is a responsibility and you don’t want to leave your team short. I am sure it will be a feisty encounter but I am looking forward to it”.