Matondo keen to make up for missing Euros

RABBI Matondo hopes to make up for Euro 2020 heartbreak by helping Wales to the World Cup.

Matondo missed out on selection for last summer’s European Championship after breaching Football Association of Wales protocols in March 2021.

The on-loan Cercle Brugge winger was sent home after playing in the friendly victory over Mexico in Cardiff and was later omitted from the 26-man squad that took Wales into the last 16 of Euro 2020.

Matondo has not featured for Wales since his indiscretion 12 months ago, but that exile is set to end with the 21- year- old expected to win his ninth cap in Tuesday’s Cardiff friendly against the Czech Republic.

“When your country’s in major tournaments you obviously want to be a part of it, and it was tough not being there,” Matondo said of his Euros exclusion. “There was always a way back into the squad by doing the right things on and off the pitch.

“I’ve had my ups and downs and I’m still learning. I feel like I am growing up step by step, year by year. I feel I’m in a better place than I was this time last year. I’d say I’ve grown up a lot in the last year or so.”

Matondo’s difficulties with Wales 12 months ago were mirrored by his problems at club level. Having left Manchester City for Schalke for over £11m in January 2019, Matondo’s time in Germany did not go to plan.

Schalke struggled and were on their way to relegation from the Bundesliga before the Welshman was loaned to Stoke in the second half of last season. Matondo managed only 11 appearances and one goal for the Sky Bet Championship side during his first senior spell in English football.

“I knew I had to hit the ground running this season and I had the courage from Cercle to push me to what I’m doing now,” said Matondo. “I want to keep pushing and I want to be the best I can be.”