Chris Gunter, Wales’ second most capped males’s participant, has retired from international football.
Gunter gained 109 caps for his nation, a determine surpassed solely within the males’s sport by Gareth Bale’s whole of 111 appearances.
“I’ve had the privilege of representing our great country for 15 years, and it’s given me some of the best times of my career and my life,” Gunter, 33, mentioned in a press release on his private Twitter account.
“To all of the managers I’ve played under, and all of the staff who have helped me in many different ways, I have so much appreciation for you and need to say a huge thank you.
“I’ve always said when you can share moments with not just team mates but friends it’s even more special, and I’ve been so lucky to share the dressing room with people who are real mates for life.
“From a young kid growing up in Wales the dream was to always play and wear that red shirt. What not even I dreamt of was the memories and experiences it has given me and my family.
“Which has been made possible by you lot, the fans. I’ve tried to tell you many times how much you’ve helped, although it’s hard to find the words to articulate.
“So I’ll just say the biggest thank you, and see you soon.
“We’re in a great place with this staff and squad, with loads to look forward to.”
Gunter made his Wales debut in 2007 and was a cornerstone of the facet that reached the semi-finals of Euro 2016 – the nation’s first main match for 58 years.
“We’re glad you crossed that ball,” mentioned a tweet from the official Wales account – a reference to then-manager Chris Coleman telling Gunter not to take action simply moments earlier than he arrange Sam Vokes for the third objective towards Belgium within the Euro 2016 quarter-final.
Wales have been main 2-1 deep into the sport and Coleman, caught on digital camera, was urging Gunter to take up time within the nook.
“Diolch am popeth (thanks for everything) @Chrisgunter16”, the tweet added.
Gunter was additionally a part of the squads that certified for Euro 2020 and the 2022 World Cup, though he was a back-up participant in these tournaments.
He grew to become the primary Wales males’s participant to win 100 caps in March 2021.
Gunter performed for Cardiff, Tottenham, Nottingham Forest, Reading and Charlton earlier than becoming a member of AFC Wimbledon final summer season.
His announcement comes after the post-World Cup retirements of document goalscorer Bale and midfielder Joe Allen and forward of Wales’ Euro 2024 qualifying marketing campaign beginning later this month.
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