Chris Gunter: Wales defender retires from international football

Wales defender Chris Gunter has retired from international football at the age of 33.

AFC Wimbledon right-back Gunter was a central figure in the Wales men's squad during the most successful spell in the team's history.

Having become the first male Wales player to reach a century of appearances, he won 109 caps in all.

Gunter follows fellow Wales greats Gareth Bale and Joe Allen in retiring in the wake of last year's World Cup.

"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 said in a statement issued by the Football Association of Wales.

"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."

Newport-born Gunter came through the ranks at Cardiff City before moving to Tottenham Hotspur in 2008.

He then played for Nottingham Forest before spending eight years at Reading. He moved to Charlton Athletic in 2020 and joined Wimbledon last summer.

Having won a first Wales cap as a teenager in 2007, he became a huge favourite with supporters as he helped the national team qualify for Euro 2016 - where they famously reached the semi-finals - Euro 2020 and last year's World Cup.

"From a young kid growing up in Wales the dream was to always play and wear that red shirt," Gunter added.

"What not even I dreamed 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."

Gareth Bale quitting all football made headlines around the world. The retirement of Joe Allen, such a dynamic force in the Wales midfield, drew deserved plaudits.

But the significance of departing defender Gunter in the rise and rise of Wales in recent years should not be underestimated.

Perhaps unheralded outside of Wales, his regard from international team-mates was undoubted, the admiration of his international managers was huge and his cult status among Wales fans is beyond doubt.

Whether for the 'chin-up' gesture to the fans in the wake of defeat by England in Euro 2016 or the famous right-wing cross - against the wishes of then manager Chris Coleman - for Sam Vokes' goal against Belgium to seal a semi-final place in that tournament, Gunter will always have a special place in the hearts of Wales fans.

The fact that he became the first Wales men's player to reach 100 caps ensures his status in Welsh football history.

He may also have long ownership of the record for the most number of appearances by an outfield player without scoring a goal.

That accolade was taken from the grip of former captain Kevin Ratcliffe, who played 59 times without hitting the back of the net.

Yes, there have been better players. Smart and understated, Gunter knows that. But none have been more loyal and dependable.

Few have been more eloquent in explaining the passion, pride and ethos which lay behind the emergence of Wales' golden generation.

The 'machine' element of his approach was illustrated by the fact that between February 2011 and September 2018 he made a remarkable 63 consecutive Wales appearances. He did not miss a minute of the qualifiers or the finals in France 2016.

Indeed when Gunter once discovered, during a radio interview, that Coleman had left him out of a squad for a post-season game because the manager felt he could do with a rest, he was quickly on the phone to the Wales boss. Gunter was duly selected and played.

Having not been a regular starter over recent years and now playing in League Two with AFC Wimbledon, the decision to follow in the footsteps of Bale and Allen is not a surprise, though his absence will be keenly felt by his Wales room-mate Aaron Ramsey.

But then again he is unlikely to be too far away from future Wales games.

While being a top professional whose physical attributes were the bedrock of his longevity at international level, he is also a supporter, who understands the psyche of the burgeoning numbers loyally following the international team.

Gunter was a regular on the terraces before he became the bedrock of the Wales team. He described himself as a supporter.

Wales have lost a player. Wales' Red Wall of supporters has gained another member.

Chris Gunter's retirement marks the end of an era for the Wales football squad post the World Cup, with a trio of cornerstone players hanging up their international boots.