Friday 8 July 2016 12:51, UK
Midfielder Joe Allen is hoping Wales' achievement of reaching the semi-finals of Euro 2016 will change Welsh football forever.
Although his nation's run in the tournament ended with a 2-0 semi-final defeat to Portugal, the fact thousands of fans are expected at the team's homecoming party in Cardiff on Friday afternoon shows how the Welsh have fallen in love with football.
In a nation where rugby union has traditionally dominated the sporting agenda, if not actually topped participation numbers, Euro 2016 has represented something of a seismic shift in Welsh sport.
Wales had waited 58 years to grace a major tournament and the team's success in reaching the last four created many special memories for Welsh management, players and supporters alike.
"We are hoping that this story and journey we have been on will change Welsh football forever," Allen said.
"We weren't ready to go home. We all know how long the wait has been, it's been very long, so even to have been in the group stages was incredible.
"To reach the semi-finals has surpassed everything we expected and the whole nation is proud.
"The Belgium game, when Vokesy [Sam Vokes] got the third goal and it looked like that would be enough, that was a huge moment for us.
"The celebrations on the pitch, the singing, they are moments that will stick with you forever.
"The message is clear, its been a huge success story for Welsh football and I'm honoured to be a part of it."
The Liverpool midfielder believes the legacy of the team's performance in France can lead to further success.
"We have to use this experience as a springboard," he said. "We don't want this to be a one-off for Welsh football.
"We want this to be what inspires us to do it again and again.
"With the quality we have got in the team, the set-up we have, we are confident we will do that."
