Father Thanks Public for Support as Son Gains Eligibility to Play for Wales
The father of a promising young footballer has expressed gratitude for the "amazing support" from the public after learning his son may now be eligible to represent Wales in football.
Enzo Romano, aged 16, had his British citizenship application rejected twice by the Home Office, a necessary step to play for the national team under Fifa regulations.
Born in Cardiff in 2009 to Italian and Spanish parents, Enzo has played for youth teams including Barcelona and Wales.
The BBC understands that Enzo has been informed his citizenship application is now "in a position to [be] approved," allowing him to once again represent the country of his birth.
The Home Office declined to comment on individual cases.
Enzo said:
"Now that it has been accepted, I feel so happy because I can represent my country again."
Although born in Wales, Enzo did not hold a British passport and was ineligible to represent Wales from age 16, despite having previously played for Welsh youth teams.
His citizenship application was based on eligibility through his father Antonio Romano's permanent UK residency status, who had initially been told he did not meet the required salary threshold.
After submitting additional documentation, Antonio received a letter from the Home Office this week confirming his son now meets the citizenship application requirements.
Enzo said:
"It was like a U-turn...I thought there wasn't any chance."
"My nationality was rejected twice... but I still had hope inside me that I could play for my country."
Antonio told BBC Wales News:
"It's a very exciting moment, we are so happy for what is happening."
"When I understood this was really important - not just for football but for Enzo - I thought I'm going to fight to the end."
"After two years of struggle, with the amazing support we had from everyone, it's absolutely brilliant."
"We see a smile on our son's face, so that's the most important thing."
‘Dragon on my chest’
The family currently reside in Spain, where Enzo plays for Vilassar de Dalt in the Lliga Elit.
Antonio expressed surprise at the support from Welsh people, noting, "we're talking about a 16-year-old boy, not someone famous."
Enzo previously declined offers to play for Spain and Italy's youth teams, choosing to represent Wales.
He said:
"Just because I moved to Barcelona doesn't mean I'm not Welsh."
"The first thing that comes into my mind every time is the dragon on my chest."
"I will try and do my best to remain at the top of the mountain - in the senior team."
The family's campaign received support from the Football Association of Wales and politicians including Wales Secretary Jo Stevens MP.
Jo Stevens said in a post on X:
"I'm absolutely thrilled that Enzo has been granted British citizenship. It's such great news for Enzo, his family and Welsh football."
"I've been working with Enzo, his family and his lawyer since last summer hoping we would see this decision happen."
FAW chief executive Noel Mooney also responded on social media:
"Gwych! Enzo is @Cymru. Diolch to all who worked on this."
