Mark Hughes has admitted he watched Euro 2016 half-hoping Wales would get knocked out so Stoke's pursuit of Joe Allen would run more smoothly.
The proud Welshman feared Allen's performances in France might alert other Premier League clubs and joked that had Chris Coleman's side reached the final Stoke would have had 'no chance' at signing the midfielder.
Despite delivering a succession of superb displays as Wales upset the odds to make the last-four, Liverpool allowed Allen to leave in a £13million transfer and the 26-year-old has thrived in the Potteries, scoring five Premier League goals.
'I had two hats on, one as a Welshman, the other as a Premier League manager,' said Hughes.