Former Nottingham Forest defender Chris Gunter has announced he will be hanging up his boots at the end of this season.
The 33-year-old, who is currently on the books at AFC Wimbledon, has made more than 720 appearances during his career. He played over 150 times for Forest between 2009 and 2012.
The full-back also turned out for Cardiff City, Tottenham Hotspur, Reading and Charlton Athletic. And he won 109 caps for Wales, a figure surpassed only in the men’s game by Gareth Bale’s total of 111 appearances. He played 155 times for Forest in three years at the City Ground.
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Gunter retired from international football in March, and joined the Wales coaching staff for the European Championship qualifiers that same month. Now he has confirmed he will be retiring from professional football once the 2022-23 campaign is concluded as he focuses on the next stage of his career.
"After taking some time for consideration, I'm announcing my retirement from professional football at the end of this season," he said in a statement posted on Twitter, accompanied by the words "Thank you" and a red heart emoji.
"I feel incredibly fortunate and blessed to have enjoyed the highs and lows of the past 17/18 years. Over 720+ games has brought many challenges and opportunities which through all of it I've always given my absolute all.
"From Cardiff City to Tottenham Hotspur, to Nottingham Forest, Reading, Charlton Athletic and AFC Wimbledon, thank you to all the managers who believed in me & all the players I've been fortunate to share the dressing room with.
"None of it would have been possible without the support of my family from the moment I started playing football. They've followed and supported my journey every step of the way.
"However I feel ready and excited for the next chapter of my career. I'm hugely thankful to the FAW, and Robert Page especially. Having completed my coaching badges, I will begin my new role from the summer. It's an exciting opportunity to work alongside Rob, and the staff.
"A final thank you has to be to the fans of every club I've had the pleasures of playing for. It means the world!
"Take care, Gunts."
Gunter 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. He 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.
Wimbledon round off their season away to Grimsby Town on Monday (May 8). They are fourth from bottom of League Two but safe from relegation.
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