\\\"I've probably had different commitments in terms of getting to play games at different times in my career,\\\" Darlow, the grandson of Wales's 1958 World Cup team member Ken Leek, said. \\r\\n \\r\\n\\\"At different times in my career, I didn't think it was the proper time for me to come. I feel like I have so much more drive and determination today to assist this Welsh team get to the World Cup. \\r\\n \\r\\n\\\"My Zoom conference with the manager was excellent. He was happy with how I came across and everything he said satisfied me. \\r\\n \\r\\n\\\"It's a new era and the main goal for me and the squad is to get to the World Cup.\\\"
\\r\\n\\r\\n
During a loan stint at Newport more than ten years ago, Darlow was initially observed by Wales.
\\r\\n\\r\\n\\r\\n\\r\\n
\\r\\n\\r\\n\\r\\n\\r\\n
After stints with Newcastle and Nottingham Forest, he went on to amass 250 career appearances. with Elland Road, he presently holds the number two spot behind Illan Meslier. \\r\\n \\r\\n\\\"I probably thought this door was closed, but I'm delighted the manager wanted me here,\\\" Darlow replied. \\r\\n \\r\\n\\\"We crossed paths at the ideal moment and had some goals in common. \\r\\n \\r\\n\\\"I would be ecstatic to participate in the World Cup, and if I can contribute to that endeavor, I would have something to be proud of when I reflect on my career. \\r\\n \\r\\n\\\"Wearing the shirt and celebrating a victory made me feel incredibly proud.\\\" I'm so appreciative of everyone for letting me be here.
\\r\\n\\r\\n\\r\\n\\r\\nNeco Williams (right) attempts to gain ground on Andrija Vukcevic of Montenegro in Niksic (Risto Bozovic/AP).\\r\\n\\r\\n\\r\\n\\r\\n
\\\"My family is really happy. My parents, grandparents, and I all went to the Turkey game and had a great time. \\r\\n \\r\\n\\\"My grandmother Janet was determined to enjoy the game and return to Cardiff. It's a unique occasion for them. \\r\\n \\r\\n\\\"I know everything about my grandad's career and it's something for the family and myself to be proud of.\\\" \\r\\n \\r\\nFollowing up their thrilling draw 0-0 against Euro 2024 quarterfinalists Turkey, Wales achieved a rare victory in the Balkans despite terrible playing conditions.
\\r\\n\\r\\n\\r\\n\\r\\nKarl Darlow responded favorably when new manager Craig Bellamy asked him about playing for Wales (David Davies/PA).\\r\\n\\r\\n\\r\\n\\r\\n
The match occasionally verged on comedy due to the torrential rain, as the field became extremely muddy and players frequently lost their footing. \\r\\n \\r\\n\\\"It was probably the hardest conditions I've ever played,\\\" Darlow remarked. \\r\\n \\r\\n\\\"The rain persisted, but it forced us to present Turkey in a new light.\\\" \\r\\n \\r\\n\\\"We played our style and demonstrated our technical ability against them, but this time, perseverance and grit won out. The supporters ought to be thrilled. \\r\\n \\r\\n\\\"The hard work and togetherness of the squad has been there for years, but the actual tactical and technical input from the manager and staff is hopefully going to bring us on to another level.\\\"
The Leeds goalkeeper became the oldest player to make his Dragons debut since World War II.
Karl Darlow, the goalkeeper for Leeds, has shared how his career in Wales was finally launched by a Zoom conversation with Craig Bellamy.
Just one month shy of turning thirty-four, Darlow lined up against Montenegro to become the oldest debutant for Wales since World War II.
Wales' first victory under new manager Bellamy came about thanks to an outstanding debut in a Niksic victory, although it took a while because Darlow, who was born in Northampton, had turned down prior invites to join Dragons sides.
"I've probably had different commitments in terms of getting to play games at different times in my career," Darlow, the grandson of Wales's 1958 World Cup team member Ken Leek, said.
"At different times in my career, I didn't think it was the proper time for me to come. I feel like I have so much more drive and determination today to assist this Welsh team get to the World Cup.
"My Zoom conference with the manager was excellent. He was happy with how I came across and everything he said satisfied me.
"It's a new era and the main goal for me and the squad is to get to the World Cup."
During a loan stint at Newport more than ten years ago, Darlow was initially observed by Wales.
After stints with Newcastle and Nottingham Forest, he went on to amass 250 career appearances. with Elland Road, he presently holds the number two spot behind Illan Meslier.
"I probably thought this door was closed, but I'm delighted the manager wanted me here," Darlow replied.
"We crossed paths at the ideal moment and had some goals in common.
"I would be ecstatic to participate in the World Cup, and if I can contribute to that endeavor, I would have something to be proud of when I reflect on my career.
"Wearing the shirt and celebrating a victory made me feel incredibly proud." I'm so appreciative of everyone for letting me be here.
Neco Williams (right) attempts to gain ground on Andrija Vukcevic of Montenegro in Niksic (Risto Bozovic/AP).
"My family is really happy. My parents, grandparents, and I all went to the Turkey game and had a great time.
"My grandmother Janet was determined to enjoy the game and return to Cardiff. It's a unique occasion for them.
"I know everything about my grandad's career and it's something for the family and myself to be proud of."
Following up their thrilling draw 0-0 against Euro 2024 quarterfinalists Turkey, Wales achieved a rare victory in the Balkans despite terrible playing conditions.
Karl Darlow responded favorably when new manager Craig Bellamy asked him about playing for Wales (David Davies/PA).
The match occasionally verged on comedy due to the torrential rain, as the field became extremely muddy and players frequently lost their footing.
"It was probably the hardest conditions I've ever played," Darlow remarked.
"The rain persisted, but it forced us to present Turkey in a new light."
"We played our style and demonstrated our technical ability against them, but this time, perseverance and grit won out. The supporters ought to be thrilled.
"The hard work and togetherness of the squad has been there for years, but the actual tactical and technical input from the manager and staff is hopefully going to bring us on to another level."
![\\\"Montenegro](\\\"//content.assets.pressassociation.io/AP/2024/09/09/545bf4ff35164d5d942f00bfb4cd553c.jpg?w=640\\\")
\\r\\n![\\\"Wales](\\\"//image.assets.pressassociation.io/v2/image/production/8133fbde33fc2b35e2ab641f346137e0Y29udGVudHNlYXJjaGFwaSwxNzI2MDUyODY1/2.77378762.jpg?w=640\\\")
\\r\\n
