Wales Midfielder Joe Allen Announces Retirement from Football
In a move that has come as no surprise to many in the football world, Wales midfielder Joe Allen has announced his retirement from the sport, citing his instinct that he would not be able to reach next year’s World Cup. The 35-year-old, who has won 77 caps for Wales and was a member of the 2012 Great Britain Olympic team, will play his final game for Swansea on Saturday.
According to The Independent, Allen’s decision to retire was influenced by a combination of factors, including his age, injuries, and his perceived level of performance. “The timing’s right,” he said ahead of his final game against Oxford. “A lot of factors go into the decision, but when you get to 35 you’re only getting worse. I still think I have some value and something to offer, but there’s probably a line I didn’t want to cross in terms of the level of performance I can give.”
Allen, who started and ended his career at Swansea, has made over 580 appearances in an 18-year senior career, playing for Wrexham, Liverpool, and Stoke along the way. He played a pivotal role as Wales reached the semi-finals of Euro 2016 and was named in the official team of that tournament. As The Independent reports, Allen’s career has been marked by numerous highlights, including winning promotion into the Premier League at Swansea in 2011 and helping establish them as a top-flight club.
As quoted in The Independent, Allen said, “A few stand-outs would be the play-off final with Swansea, getting promoted to the Premier League, and the first season there. Also joining a huge and historic club in Liverpool and competing at the top of the Premier League with some unbelievable players. The Euros in 2016 is the stand-out, an amazing summer, but there’s been many more.” Allen also featured at Euro 2020 and the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, becoming one of the few Welshmen to have played in three major tournaments.
Craig Bellamy, a former teammate and current Wales manager, praised Allen’s career, saying, “When you see a player like him in training and the habits he has, you understand why he’s had such a great career. I’m so appreciative of what he’s been able to do for our country. He’s been one of our greatest players. You want that to stay for longer.” As reported by The Independent, Bellamy had persuaded Allen to return to the international fold after succeeding Rob Page as Wales manager, with Allen adding three more caps to his tally.
Allen’s decision to retire from international football was influenced by his instinct that he would not be able to reach the 2026 World Cup. “It (the 2026 World Cup) was a big part of the decision,” he said. “My instinct told me I wasn’t going to get there. Or, if I did get there, it wasn’t going to be at the level I wanted to be representing my country at a World Cup.” As The Independent notes, Allen’s retirement marks the end of an era for Welsh football, with the midfielder having played a significant role in the country’s recent football history.
The news of Allen’s retirement has been met with tributes from across the football world, with many praising his dedication and commitment to the sport. As The Independent sources confirm, Allen’s legacy will live on, with his contributions to Welsh football set to be remembered for years to come.
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