Wales legend Chris Gunter has announced his retirement from international football.
The versatile defender has been a mainstay for the Red Dragons over a number of years and was part of the squads which reached two European Championships and last year's World Cup in Qatar.
However, he has joined Wales icons Gareth Bale and Joe Allen in hanging up his boots from international duty ahead of his nation's opening Euro 2024 qualifying matches against Croatia and Latvia later this month.
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"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," the 33-year-old wrote in a statement.
"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.
"From a young kid growing up in Wales the dream was to always play and wear that red shirt. What not even I dreamt 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. Gunts."
Gunter - who currently plays for League Two side AFC Wimbledon - made his international bow against New Zealand in 2007 and amassed a total of 109 caps, breaking the previous men's record held by Neville Southall in a loss to Albania in 2018.
The icon then became the first centurion in the history of the men's national team against Mexico in March 2021.
He is second only to Gareth Bale on his country's all-time list of men's capped players, with goalkeeper Wayne Hennessey currently on 108 caps.
In a post shared on their official social media channels, the Football Association of Wales paid a touching tribute to the defender, referencing his iconic cross that led to Sam Vokes netting Wales' third in a famous 3-1 win over Belgium in the quarter-finals of Euro 2016.
"We’re glad you crossed that ball. Diolch am bopeth Chris Gunter," it read.
They went on to add: "Chris Gunter embodied everything about #TogetherStronger that will ultimately define his era of international football with @Cymru."
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