Hal Robson-Kanu believes Wales' presence at Euro 2016 will allow the country to call itself a football nation at last.
Football has traditionally played a secondary sporting role in Wales, with rugby usually capturing the imagination of the public and dominating the media scrutiny.
But football fever is about to strike Wales as Gareth Bale and company prepare to end the nation's 58-year wait to grace a major tournament in France this summer.
"Football hasn't been classed as the main sport in Wales, normally it's rugby," said Robson-Kanu.
"But hopefully with the performances we've put in we can finally say again that we're a football nation.
"It's a great feeling, and what we've been working for and putting effort into for the last three or four years.
"The fans played a massive part and we've done this for them really, they're delighted and they let us know that whenever they see us.
"I'm always getting stopped and congratulated."
Reading striker Robson-Kanu played an influential role in Wales' successful qualifying campaign.
While his strike partner Bale rightly took the plaudits with his seven goals and two assists, Robson-Kanu's unselfish running and ability to hold the ball up allowed Wales to get up the pitch and put pressure on opponents.
Robson-Kanu's work ethic has certainly not gone unnoticed with the fans and his cult hero status was confirmed by the supporters' band, The Barry Horns, sparking a 90s hip-hop in honour of the 26-year-old.
"I think with the tactics we've got it works very well and it's effective because we're a threat," Robson-Kanu said of his role in the side.
"I think through the squad we've got top quality, through every position.
"We said after qualifying we definitely want this to be the start of something special.
"For us this is the beginning of something. Our focus now is doing the nation proud, and if we do that we'll be satisfied."
London-born Robson-Kanu was capped by England at under-19 and under-20 level before switching allegiance to Wales.
Now he is set to come up against England in Lens on June 16, and make his family even prouder of him.
"Obviously when you're young you have a number of opportunities in front of you," said Robson-Kanu.
"In the end I chose to play for Wales and it's a decision I've not looked back from since.
"I think it's been a fantastic decision because it is special [to play for Wales].
"My grandmother was Welsh, my mother is Welsh and, as a family, they always wanted me to play for Wales."