Joe Allen announces retirement from international football
Swansea City midfielder Joe Allen has announced his retirement from international football, bringing down the curtain on a long and distinguished career in a Wales shirt.
The 32-year-old won 74 caps for his country between 2009 and 2022, playing in three major tournament, including the unforgettable run to the semi-finals of Euro 2016.
Allen was named in the team of the tournament for the European showpiece in France, and rounded of his Wales career by featuring in the nation’s first appearance at a World Cup finals since 1958.
His name will always be synonymous with what has truly been a golden age for Welsh football.
Having been capped at under-17, under-19 and under-21 level, Swans academy product Allen made his senior Wales bow against Estonia in the summer of 2009.
His first start for his country followed against Switzerland in 2011 at the then-Liberty Stadium and he skippered the Dragons for the first time in 2014 against the Netherlands.
Along with the likes of Gareth Bale, Aaron Ramsey and Ashley Williams; Allen was an integral part of Wales’ progress up the world rankings, and the eventual ending of a 58-year wait to reach a major tournament with the successful qualification for Euro 2016.
He followed his outstanding displays in France by scoring his first Wales goal later that year against Moldova and he has continued to be a central figure for club and country, playing at Euro 2020 and World Cup 2022 to put him in a select band of Welsh players to have played in three major competitions.
Everyone at Swansea City congratulates Joe on a fantastic international career.
We know we speak for all Welsh football followers when we say, “Diolch Joe”.
"Playing for Wales has been a great passion and love in my life, I have been extremely fortunate," Allen told 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, and so many unforgettable experiences.
"But I feel it is time for me to make way for our next generation. The future of Welsh football is bright."