YANN KERMORGANT says he has always turned down the chance to go to Wembley – because he wanted his first visit to be as a player.
The striker, 35, certainly cut it fine having announced that next season will be his last before retirement.
But when he steps out onto the pitch against Huddersfield Town on Monday afternoon (3pm) for the Championship play-off final, the Frenchman will finally fulfil his ambition, eight years after moving to the country.
“I always said I wanted to go to Wembley for the first time as a player,” said Kermorgant.
“That’s why I always refused to go to watch an event or an England game.
“I wanted to go as a player and now I’m buzzing because I’ve realised my dream.
“But the dream will come true if we go up.”
He added: “I have been promoted twice, finishing top. We all know to get promoted through the play-offs is maybe the best way to get promoted.
“Two big games in the semis and of course the final is the biggest game ever as a Championship footballer.
“Wembley is a special stadium, a massive one.
“Even for my family, it was a big target for me to bring them and all my friends, especially when you are close to retiring and to finish like that would be the best moment of my career.”
Despite approaching the end of his playing days, the 2016/17 campaign has arguably been Kermorgant’s most impressive to date.
His match-winning semi-final goal against Fulham took his goals tally to 19 for the season, more than he has ever reached before.
And the former Bournemouth star admits Reading’s success so far has come as a surprise.
“We are in the final which is really unbelievable and a great achievement, whatever happens,” said Kermorgant.
“We will go there and do our best like we did to beat Fulham.
“I think if you look at where we’ve come from last season with lots of new players, young players with no experience in the Championship, that’s quite unbelievable compared to some other squads who have big, big players or big investment. We have done better than them.
“I think for the gaffer and the management, it’s a big achievement to be where we are.
“Football is a team sport so I think the most important thing is to play together and work hard together.
“When you believe in what you do, I think you can achieve big things.”
