Joe Allen | Swans and Dragons pay tribute following international retirement
Earlier this week Joe Allen, a player destined to go down as one of Wales’ true greats from a golden era, brought down the curtain on his international career.
The 32-year-old won 74 caps in total over 13 years, helping Wales end a 58-year wait to qualify for a major tournament, and a 64-year gap between World Cup final appearances, along the way.
He featured in three major tournaments, and was named in the Uefa team of the tournament following his outstanding performances in helping Wales reach the semi-finals of Euro 2016.
While Joe announced his retirement from Wales duty in typically humble and understated style, we feel it’s only right to make a fuss of a magnificent servant for club and country.
So, we have gathered together a selection of social media tributes and first-person recollections from several former Swans and Dragons who have either coached or played alongside Joe.
Ashley Williams (Swansea City 2008-2016, 86 caps for Wales)
Alan Curtis (Swansea City youth and first-team coach, Wales age-grade coach, 35 Wales caps as a player)
“It was with a great deal of sadness but immense joy and pride that I hard about Joe’s decision to retire from international football.
“Maybe it is not a total surprise, as no-one knows their body better than the player themselves, but what a player Joe has been for Wales.
“I remember watching him play for our academy teams and even then you were as certain as you could be that we had a special talent in our hands.
“Of course, it was not long until he made his league debut and then of course he had been in the Wales youth squads at under-17, under-19 and under-21 level. I had the pleasure of working with Joe and other future full internationals in Gareth Bale and Aaron Ramsey.
“Their progression to the top was incredible, and Joe was so influential in the success of the Welsh team qualifying for three major tournaments, and especially their performances at Euro 2016.
“Above all else, he has been a credit to his family, team-mates, staff and fans, and remained the same humble person.
“He will always be remembered as one of the greatest players ever produced by Wales and Swansea City.
“As a proud Welshman, all I can say is ‘Thanks for everything, Joe’.”
Owain Tudur Jones (Swansea City 2005-2009, seven Wales caps)
“What an incredible servant Joe has been to the Wales national team. I think he is arguably one of our most important players in the history of Welsh football, and I absolutely believe that to be true.
“His qualities have enabled others like Gareth Bale and Aaron Ramsey to shine, I think he has been a quiet leader and I do not feel we would have had the success we have had without him in the middle of the park.
“He provided something different. We have had similar types of players over the years but he had that extra sprinkle of quality which was so underappreciated by a lot of people, but it was never underappreciated in Wales.
“He had the ability and bravery to take the ball in any situation, he would never ever hide and that is one of the biggest and bravest things you can be on a football pitch. It wasn’t just receiving the ball, because he had the ability to then do something with it, too.
“He could find and feed the likes Bale and Ramsey early in moves to ensure they had the time and space to work their magic and produce those match-winning or match-defining moments.
“It’s simple for me, if you are picking an all-time Wales team; Joe is in it. It’s not a discussion.
“Only 11 men have played more games for Wales, which just shows how importance, particularly as he didn’t become an established part of the side until his early 20s.
“As a player, you always had such trust in Joe because you knew he would perform to a high level, you never had to worry about him. He always put the team first.
“From the moment he made his breakthrough it was only going one way.
“He will be a miss because there is still plenty left in the tank for Joe, and I am sure Swansea will reap the benefits but he will be hugely missed by Wales because of how he plays that position.
“He was almost perfect for international football and I don’t think we have a player of his type coming through with his technical ability, his hard work, his reliability and that sprinkle of quality.
“He leaves a large hole to fill, but everyone is just grateful we had him in a Wales shirt for so long.
“How do you some him up? Legend. Class. Brilliant. One of the best. Diolch, Joe.”
Neil Taylor (Swansea City 2010-2017, 43 caps for Wales)
"Joe and I have a long history having played together for Wrexham, for Swansea and for Wales. We have known each other a long time.
"He has always been one of my really good friends in football. He is a reserved person, a very intelligent person but quite a quiet person. However, on the pitch he always showed massive courage, and was fantastic in tight areas, which has been unusual for British players in general.
"So for Wales to have a player like him is a one-off. He always put in loads of energy, he was in the team of the tournament at the Euros.
"I was so happy for him to get that recognition, because so often players like Joe can go under the radar.
"He and Joe Ledley complemented each other so well in that side in midfield, they were always willing to do the hard yards but had the quality to use the ball effectively.
"Players have ups and downs, but Joe was just so consistent. You always knew you were guaranteed a certain level of performance from him.
"He never shied away from a challenge, he never shied away from taking the ball.
"I was his room-mate with Wales, so we had many good moments to share on and off the pitch. He is a great lad, so easy to get on with.
"He doesn't like the limelight, or the spotlight, and he lives a quiet life. That just sums him up and is why people love him so much.
"I think he has to go down as one of the greatest midfielders we have ever had.
"Everyone has an opinion, but the thing with Joe is it's there in how he played and what he has done.
"He has helped get his country to three major tournament, it's something no other Welsh midfielder has done.
"It would not have been a decision he would have taken lightly because of how much playing for Wales has meant for him.
"He felt it was the right time, but he can be so proud of what he has achieved and I am delighted he has gone out on a high and on his own terms with Wales.
"If they wanted to build a statue for Joe, I don't think anyone would argue with it."