Wales legend Chris Gunter announces his retirement, revealing ‘his excitement’ about joining the national team as a development coach after his last game with AFC Wimbledon
- Chris Gunter has put his career on hold for 18 years
- The star of Wales played more than 100 times for the national team between 2007 and 2022
- He will hang up his boots after AFC Wimbledon’s final match of the season
Chris Gunter will join the Wales staff as national team development coach after announcing his retirement at the end of the season.
Gunter was part of Rob Page’s coaching team for the European Championship qualifiers against Croatia and Latvia in March, and his new part-time role will support young Wales players as they transition into senior football.
The 33-year-old will take on the role following AFC Wimbledon’s last game of the Sky Bet League Two season at Grimsby on Monday.
“After some consideration, I am announcing my retirement from professional football at the end of the season,” Gunter wrote on social media.
“I feel incredibly lucky and blessed to have enjoyed the highs and lows of the past 17/18 years.
Wales legend Chris Gunter has announced his retirement from professional football
Gunter spent much of his career in the Championship with Reading, playing over 300 games
“More than 700 games have brought many challenges and opportunities that I have always given my all throughout it all.
“I feel ready and excited for the next chapter of my career. I am immensely grateful to FAW, and Rob Page in particular.
‘After I get my coaching badges, I will start my new role from the summer.
“It’s a great opportunity to work with Rob and the staff.”
Gunter won 109 caps for Wales, a figure only surpassed in the men’s game by Gareth Bale’s 111 appearances.
He became the first Welsh men’s player to win a century in caps in March 2021.
Newport-born Gunter made over 600 appearances at club level for Cardiff, Tottenham, Nottingham Forest, Reading, Charlton and AFC Wimbledon.