Former Liverpool midfielder Joe Allen RETIRES from Wales duty aged 32
Joe Allen RETIRES from Wales duty aged 32 after collecting 74 caps for the Dragons and says ‘time and injuries have taken their toll’… with the former Liverpool midfielder ready to ‘make way for the next generation’
- Former Liverpool star Joe Allen has retired from the Wales national team
- Allen inspired Wales to the Euro 2016 semi-finals and picked up 74 caps
- The Swansea midfielder says he wants to make way for the next generation
Former Liverpool and Stoke midfielder Joe Allen has announced his retirement from the Wales national team – claiming he wants to ‘make way for the next generation’.
Allen picked up 74 caps during his time with the Dragons and was part of the team who reached the Euro 2016 semi-finals under Chris Coleman – with the side going on to lose 2-0 to eventual winners Portugal.
Now at Swansea, Allen was also part of the Wales squad that travelled to Qatar for the 2022 World Cup – coming on briefly in their 2-0 defeat against Iran before starting in their 3-0 loss to England, which would be his final appearance.
The 32-year-old said ‘time and injuries’ had taken their toll and that he was ready to step aside to give youngster a chance to stake their claim for call-ups under manager Rob Page.
‘Playing for Wales has been a great passion and love in my life, I have been extremely fortunate,’ he said in a statement published by the Welsh FA.
Former Liverpool and Stoke midfielder Joe Allen has announced his retirement from Wales
Allen picked up 74 caps and was part of the team that reached the Euro 2016 semi-finals
‘I have shared this journey with incredible people… my family, teammates, 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.’
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.
He formed part of Wales’ so-called ‘golden generation’ alongside forward Gareth Bale (C)
Allen was named in the official team of Euro 2016 – Wales’ first major tournament for 58 years – as they 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.
His retirement comes after Bale also announced he would be stepping down from Wales duty last month – with the ex-Real Madrid man hanging up his boots altogether in a shock announcement.
Neco Williams was the first Wales player to pay tribute to Allen, posting a picture of the pair together on social media and writing ‘legend’.
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.