Wales and Swansea legend Allen retires
Swansea City and Wales midfielder Joe Allen is to retire after the final Championship game of the season this Sunday.
The 35-year-old midfielder is out of contract at Swansea in the summer and will hang up his boots having made almost 600 club appearances and won 77 Wales caps.
Allen came through the Swansea academy and made his Wales debut against Estonia as a teenager in 2009. Allen would establish himself as a key part of the Swansea and Wales midfield, leading the former to Premier League promotion in 2011.
After a single successful season in the Premier League, Allen was signed by English giants Liverpool in a deal worth £15million. In Allen’s second season at Anfield, he became a key part of Liverpool’s title charge under former Swansea boss Brendan Rogers, appearing 24 times in the league as the club agonisingly finished second.
As his influence at Liverpool waned, Allen’s Wales career hit new heights. At Wales’ first major tournament in 58 years, Allen was magnificent, earning a spot in the team of the tournament alongside Aaron Ramsey.
Sporting his now customary hair and beard combo, Allen earnt the nickname ‘the Welsh Pirlo’, after the great Italian schemer. The playmaker played for Wales in two more major tournaments – EURO 2020 and the 2022 World Cup – and was a key player in both tournament teams.
Allen announced his retirement from international football in February 2023, but reversed that decision after Craig Bellamy was appointed Wales coach in October 2024, adding three more caps to his tally.
In the latter half of his club career, Allen appeared over 200 times for Stoke City and more recently spent three years back in Swansea, playing over 70 times and captaining the club on ocassion.
“This is incredibly difficult. This is not something I’ve taken lightly, I’ve spent a lot of time pondering it,” said Allen.
“The timing’s right. I made the decision, got to 100% about a month ago. I wasn’t sure how the last few weeks would go, how I’d find things, but it’s actually been a good spell really. I’ve enjoyed it.”
The Swans host Oxford United in their final match of the Championship season, which will also be the last game of Allen’s career.
“I’ve had a chance to reflect and take it all in. I’m really looking forward to what’s going to be my last game on Saturday,” he added.
“I’m very proud. I didn’t think I’d be sat here playing as many games as I have for clubs I have done at that level and for Wales as well.
“I’ve been incredibly fortunate and as I’ve reflected over the last few weeks very grateful and thankful to everyone who has has helped me on my way to have these amazing experiences.”
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