Former Liverpool midfielder Joe Allen has confirmed his decision to retire from soccer at all levels.
The 35-year-old made the shock announcement before Swansea City’s final game of the season at home to Oxford United on Saturday, which will be the last of Allen’s impressive career.
He has made nearly 600 appearances at club level – including 132 for Liverpool – and earned 77 international caps for Wales, the last of which came in March. But Allen has made just seven league starts all season for Swansea in an injury-ravaged campaign and feels now is the right time to call it a day.
“This is incredibly difficult. This is not something I’ve taken lightly, I’ve spent a lot of time pondering it,” said the midfielder.
“The timing’s right. I made the decision, I got to 100 percent 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.”
“There are a lot of factors that go into the decision, but the truth is, when you get to 35, you’re only getting worse,” Allen continued.
“I still think I have some value and something to offer but there’s probably a line I didn’t want to cross in terms of the level of performance I can give.
(Image: GEOFF CADDICK/AFP via Getty Images)
“I feel like I’m right at that line now and, you couple that with the injuries you accumulate over the years, and I’m probably at that stage where I can’t push things any further.
“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.
“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 helped me on my way to have these amazing experiences.”
Allen began and ended his career with Swansea, the club he helped guide to promotion in 2011, a year before following Brendan Rodgers to Liverpool.
A stint at Stoke City, where he played 221 times, also punctuated his stints in Swansea and Merseyside, while Allen played at three international tournaments for Wales, including the memorable run to the semi-finals of Euro 2012.
Reflecting on his career highlights, Allen referenced his time at Liverpool as a major honor. “The ones that spring straight to mind are winning the play-off final to get promoted to the Premier League, and then that first season in the Premier League and some of the victories we had at home,” he told Swansea’s website.
“They were incredible moments, and then the chance to play for Liverpool – such an historic club – and be playing alongside some of the greats and fighting for the title there.
“I had some really good years at Stoke, but the summer in France with Wales and qualifying for the World Cup are more memories and experiences where I find myself pinching myself. I would never have thought they were possible.”
