Roberts is returning home on Thursday with the expiry of his contract following Nepal´s exit from the group stage of AFC Challenge Cup finals under way in Kathmandu. [break]
ANFA President Ganesh Thapa, ANFA officials and national team bade farewell to Roberts offering him garland, shawl and bouquets. Thapa also presented a souvenir to Roberts with a token of love.
Speaking during the farewell program, Roberts said, “Its time to move on but I have Nepal in my heart. I enjoyed every moments of football in Nepal.”
Chit-chat: Roberts talks with national team players.
Like on previous occasions, Roberts praised Nepali football supporters and compared them with the supporters of premier division English club Chelsea and Scottish Club Rangers. “They are fantastic and remind me of Chelsea and Rangers,” said the Briton who has appeared in 70 matches for Chelsea and 55 matches for Rangers as a player. He had played the highest 209 matches for Tottenham Hotspurs.
Regarding interference of ANFA in the national team, Roberts said, "I have always made the final decision." Roberts was also full of praise for ANFA President Thapa. "He is a football person and has played football at the highest level."
Light moments: Roberts hugs national team captain Sagar Thapa.
Regarding Nepal´s performance of the Challenge Cup, Roberts said, "Though we could not make it to the semifinal, we showed out quality."
"We deserved to win SAFF Championship. But when you make mistake you get punished." He also urged players to keep on playing and remain fit.
Roberts vowed to visit Nepal if Nepal hosts the SAFF Championship in 2013. "If you got a chance to host 2013 SAFF Championship I will come and wear Nepali shirt."
At the end of his speech, Roberts said, "Fans, supporters and press Goodbye, I always enjoyed here."
Differences apart: Roberts with ANFA president Ganesh Thapa.
ANFA President Thapa also lauded Roberts as a hard working and dedicated to his job. "The one who wins the match is only not good coach. All the football lovers and ANFA has really appreciated your job."
"You are always welcome to Nepal will be always respected here. This is very emotional moment and when we need you we hope to get you back and ANFA is always ready to help you whenever you need our help."
He also refuted media reports that ANFA had interfered with his decisions as a coach. “Though I´m not a high profile player as compared to Roberts, I used to give him suggestions, Thapa said, adding, “Though he listened to me, he never followed my suggestions.”
“In my whole life, I have never interfered in a coach´s job as he is the leader of the team,” Thapa said.
ANFA vice president Lalit Krishna Shrestha also praised Roberts for the achievement of Nepali team during his tenure.
Speaking on behalf of national team, skipper Sagar Thapa said that the team improved after Roberts´ arrival in Nepal. "Despite having everything in the team we were unable to get good results. But after the arrival of Roberts we got good results.”
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