The Swansea City academy product made his international debut in 2009, at the age of just 19, and went on to earn 74 international caps, while scoring twice.
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Wales footballer Joe Allen has announced his retirement from international football at the age of 32. The Swansea City academy product made his international debut in 2009, at the age of just 19, and went on to earn 74 international caps, while scoring twice. He was a key member of the so-called ‘Golden Generation’ of Welsh football, which participated in two European championships, in 2016 and 2020, and the 2022 Qatar World Cup in. Meanwhile, The former Liverpool player said injuries had been a factor in the decision to end his international duty as he focuses on playing for Championship side Swansea City.
An incredible 13-year international career🏴
We are so proud of you, Joe. 🖤🤍 pic.twitter.com/O6EF31f6Do
— Swansea City AFC (@SwansOfficial) February 7, 2023
“Playing for Wales has been a great passion and love in my life, I have been extremely fortunate,” Allen said in a statement released by the Football Association of Wales. He added “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.”
Diolch am bopeth Joe 🏴♥️#DiolchJoe pic.twitter.com/fmeQHM762O
— Wales 🏴 (@Cymru) February 7, 2023
Allen was a pivotal figure in the Welsh engine room for over a decade and played a key role in helping the side qualify for their first major tournament since 1958, when they made it to the finals of Euro 2016, in France. The Dragons managed to reach the semi-finals of the tournament, defeating favourites Belgium in the last-8 stage. The 32-year-old playmaker was named in the Euro 2016 team of the tournament, alongside his compatriot Aaron Ramsey. He also helped Wales qualify for the Euro 2020 and reach their first World Cup finals in 64 years, when they appeared at the global event in Qatar, two months ago. His last international appearance came against England in the group stage of the World Cup. Meanwhile the Dragons will start their Euro 2024 qualifying campaign with games against Croatia and Latvia next month.
The midfielder started his football journey with the age groups teams of Swansea City and then went on to help the Swans earn promotion to the top tier of English football. He made 43 Championship appearances for the Swans in the 2010-11 campaign, scoring twice and recording five assists, while helping them secure promotion to the Premier League. In his first top flight season, the Welshman went on to play 36 games for Swansea City, while registering four goals and as many assists. His consistent performances caught the eye of Liverpool, and the Reds brought him for INR 152 Cr in 2012. He went on to earn 113 caps for the Reds across all competitions, before being sold to Stoke City in 2016. After spending six seasons with the Potters, Allen returned to Swansea City in 2022.
