Wales midfielder Joe Allen announces international retirement
Wales midfielder Joe Allen has announced his retirement from international football.
Allen, one of Wales’ greatest-ever midfielders, said “time and injuries” had taken their toll as he called time on his 74-cap career.
“Playing for Wales has been a great passion and love in my life, I have been extremely fortunate,” the 32-year-old said in a statement released by the Football Association of Wales.
“I have shared this journey with incredible people…my family, team-mates, staff and fans have made it special and I’m hugely grateful to you all.
“Our nation’s support is inspiring, and it has given me immense pride to wear the shirt…so many unforgettable experiences.
“Unfortunately, time and injuries take their toll and so it’s time for me to make way for our next generation.
“The future of Welsh football is bright. All the best, Joe.”
Golden generation
Swansea product Allen made his Wales debut in 2009 and was part of the so-called ‘Golden Generation’, which included Gareth Bale and Aaron Ramsey, that took the nation to a first major tournament for 58 years at Euro 2016.
Allen was named in the official team of that tournament as Wales reached the semi-finals in France.
He also helped Wales qualify for Euro 2020 and the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, the latter the nation’s first appearance on the global stage since 1958.
Allen, who played for Liverpool and Stoke before returning to Swansea last summer, made his final Wales appearance in the World Cup defeat to England in November.
The player’s departure from the international scene is another blow to Wales boss Robert Page, who saw his captain and the country’s talisman Bale retire from football last month.
Wales start their Euro 2024 qualifying campaign with games against Croatia and Latvia next month.
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Glad he has listened to his body. Been a wonderful player for us. One of many who have created expectations by their achievements. Hopefully the new crop take on his legacy.
Diolch Joe. As important to our national team as Gareth Bale was, his contribution over the years has been immense, and was one of the factors in us fans being able to see our nation at the top table of football.
Was very good during our 1/2 final run in France, and helped us qualify when Bale and Ramsey were absent due to injury. He ran the midfield.
What have you been watching Riki? Whenever Joe sets foot on the pitch as a Cymru player he is reliable and creative. You can’t underestimate that kind of performance. Yes he isn’t scoring like Bale but there are different roles in football and Joe did his to perfection for Cymru.
Joe Allen has been consistently been the best player for Cymru in the last decade. For obvious reasons Gareth Bale has deservedly grabbed the headlines, but Joe Allen has more than matched any midfield player he’s played against for Cymru.