Wales' second most capped men's player Chris Gunter RETIRES
Wales’ second most capped men’s player Chris Gunter – who played every minute of historic run to semi-finals of Euro 2016 – RETIRES from international football at 33, after winning 109 caps
- Gunter joins Gareth Bale and Joe Allen in hanging up his boots before Euro 2024
- The 33-year-old, who plays for AFC Wimbledon, made his Wales debut in 2007
- The defender became the first Wales men’s player to win 100 caps in March 2021
Wales’ second most capped men’s player Christ Gunter has retired from international football.
The defender, who currently plays for League Two side AFC Wimbledon, joins Gareth Bale and Joe Allen in hanging up his boots before Euro 2024.
The 33-year-old made his Wales debut in 2007 and was a cornerstone of the side that reached the semi-finals of Euro 2016 – the nation’s first major tournament for 58 years.
Gunter won 109 caps for his country, a figure surpassed only in the men’s game by Bale’s total of 111 appearances.
His full statement read: ‘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.
Wales’ second most capped men’s player Christ Gunter has retired from international football
His full statement read: ‘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’
‘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. Gunts.’
‘We’re glad you crossed that ball,’ said a tweet from the official Wales account – a reference to then-manager Chris Coleman telling Gunter not to do so just moments before he set up Sam Vokes for the third goal against Belgium in the Euro 2016 quarter-final.
Wales were leading 2-1 deep into the game and Coleman, caught on camera, was urging Gunter to take up time in the corner.
The defender, who currently plays for League Two side AFC Wimbledon , joins Gareth Bale and Joe Allen in hanging up his boots before Euro 2024
‘We’re glad you crossed that ball,’ said a tweet from the official Wales account
It was a reference to then-manager Chris Coleman telling Gunter not to do so just moments before he set up Sam Vokes for the third goal against Belgium in the Euro 2016 quarter-final
‘Diolch am popeth (thanks for everything) @Chrisgunter16,’ the tweet added.
Gunter was also part of the squads that qualified for Euro 2020 and the 2022 World Cup, although he was a back-up player in those tournaments.
He became the first Wales men’s player to win 100 caps in March 2021.
Gunter played for Cardiff, Tottenham, Nottingham Forest, Reading and Charlton before joining AFC Wimbledon last summer.
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