Neco Williams has revealed that his grandfather passed away on the eve for Wales' opening World Cup match against the United States.
The Red Dragons played out an entertaining 1-1 draw with the USMNT, with Gareth Bale rescuing Rob Page's side with a late second-half penalty. American striker Tim Weah, son of George, had fired his country in a deserved first-half lead.
Williams played the majority of the match for Wales before he was replaced in the 79th minute by Brennan Johnson. The wing-back, 21, took to social media after the match to reveal he had been "crying all day" after being informed by his mother that his grandfather had died.
"Yesterday was the toughest news I’ve ever had to face and that was listening to my mum tell me my grandad past [sic] away last night. to go from crying all day to start in a World Cup game was extremely tough but I got through it from the support of my team mates and family. So I dedicate that game and an important point to him."
The Nottingham Forest star could be seen in tears at the final whistle and was comforted by Page and a number of his teammates. After being followed by cameras as he walked off the pitch, Williams finally said: “That was for you, grandad."
Williams was bombarded with messages of support on social media after sharing the message in a tweet on Monday night.
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The former Liverpool star was revealed before the tournament that his grandfather had been a big influence on him and his love for football growing up. He previously told BBC Sport Wales: "I think it's my grandad who I got it off.
"He was a good player and got scouted for a few teams back in his days and was one of the best footballers around my village. Injuries stopped him, so I've continued what could have been for him."
Burnley ace Connor Roberts also dedicated the result on Monday to his grandfather, who he revealed had sadly passed away before the full-back jetted off to Qatar last week.
In an Instagram post, Roberts said: "To represent my country at a World Cup was incredible and something that can never be taken away from me. From Crynant to Qatar and I loved every minute!
"On Tuesday morning before we flew I got the message that my Dadcu had passed away. This achievement was for him, and I hope I made him, and all my family/friends proud."
