Nottingham Forest attacker Brennan Johnson has explained committing to Wales over England.
Johnson featured for Wales at the World Cup
“My family on my mum’s side are Welsh and at that age it was about enjoyment,” explains Johnson to the Daily Mail, having also turned out for England at youth level. “I enjoyed playing for Wales a lot more. It felt more like a family. Everyone was really nice and made me feel comfortable.
“Being from a club like Forest, you go to England and see the players from top teams and it is a bit more intimidating. It’s not like the people there create that atmosphere deliberately, but being from a smaller academy and rarely playing against those players made a difference.
“After I had played for Wales Under 21s there was chat about me going back to England, but nothing major. I was always happy to play for Wales.
“I was only 18 at the time so it never reached the stage of Gareth Southgate contacting me. I feel proud to play for Wales and it makes my family proud — that is the most important thing. Gareth Bale is a great role model. When I would come on as substitute he’d always tell me to be positive and back myself. His preparation was always so professional.
“It’s a massive shame that he has retired and what he has done will never be forgotten, but I guess it’s a new time now.”
