Joe Allen | Retiring as a Jack is the right way to round off my career

Joe Allen believes it is fitting that his career will come "full circle" when he plays his final game for Swansea City against Oxford United on Saturday.

Although Allen would never admit it, the midfielder will unquestionably go down as one of Swansea and Wales’ finest-ever players. It is in no way an overstatement to say he has been an iconic figure in Welsh football.

He has made over well over 200 appearances for the Swans across two spells, helping them reach and establish themselves in the Premier League before going on to have stints with Liverpool and Stoke City.

Allen returned “home” in 2022, featuring in the second south Wales derby double in his first season back in SA1, and his influence has been underlined by crucial contributions to the recent draw at Leeds United and the home win over Derby County.

At international level there have been 77 caps for Wales, with Allen representing his country at three major tournament finals, most notably the never-to-be-forgotten run to the semi-finals of Euro 2016.

His outstanding showings in France that summer saw him named in the team of the tournament.

While Allen admits there was a temptation to play on, he has ultimately decided that the wear and tear of a long career spanning over 650 games in professional football mean he feels he can no longer perform at the level he wants to.

And so he will bring down the curtain on an illustrious and distinguished career back where he made his league debut as a 16-year-old against Blackpool in 2007; the Swansea.com Stadium.

“It’s been a very difficult decision but one that, it goes without saying, I have given an awful lot of thought to,” said Allen as he reflected on his decision to hang up his boots.

“I am 35 now, and with what I have put my body through with the injuries and the level I can reach at the moment, it feels like the right time to call time on my career.

“It’s a chance for me to give huge thanks to all the people who have helped me on the way through what has been a really enjoyable career.

“I think doing it on my own terms makes it better. I spoke to so many people who were not happy with how their careers ended, be that through injury or through being released, so I am fortunate to be in a position where I am back at the club I love, and to have had the chance to come home for the last three seasons.

“To be announcing my retirement as a Swansea City player makes it extra special, I have been very fortunate. To finish my career where it started, it feels like everything has come full circle.

“My career has surpassed everything I ever thought it could be, I am proud to have had the career and the experiences I have had, whether that has been at the clubs I played for, or representing Wales. I have been part of some incredible groups with wonderful supporters, I have been very lucky.”

While reflecting on a life in football that stretches all the way back to first joining the Swans books as a nine-year-old, Allen was also quick to pay tribute to the friends and family who have been by his side throughout his football journey.

“The list of people to thank is enormous, and I cannot tell you how grateful I am to everyone who have had such a big influence on me and helped me. I would not be here without them,” he said.

“A huge thanks to my family, my parents were the ones who were willing when I was nine years old to do whatever it took in order for me to chase my dream. 

“I would like to thank my wife Lacey who has supported me through everything during the last 15 years. Football demands so much focus and energy from a player so for her to always be supportive no matter what has been so important for me.

“Then there’s my friends, my teammates, coaches and staff I have worked with. 

“The supporters, who from day one here at Swansea and the other clubs I played for, as well as with Wales, have been incredible. I cannot imagine a more lucky player and person. I am so proud and so glad to have had all the experiences I have had over my career.”

And what of the career highlights from a glittering tenure at the highest level? Allen has plenty to choose from, but there are a select few that stand out prominently.

“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,” said Allen.

“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.”

But before Allen takes his leave, there is one more game and one more task at hand, and he would love nothing more than to go out on a winning note in front of the Jack Army.

And he is the first to acknowledge it will be a highly emotional day as he finishes his career in the colours of the club he has supported since he was a boy.

“It will be special for me and my family. They have been there from the very beginning. Even though it feels like the time has flown by, it has been a long time for them,” he said. 

“It is fitting for them to be there, it has worked out great with us being at home in the last game of the season.

“I am already thinking about it, and I am sure it is going to be a very emotional day. I am not one for too much drama, but for sure it is going to hit me with it being such a huge moment in my life.

“For the fans, I cannot thank them enough. They are what make this club special, they are what make wearing the shirt special, whether we are home or away. 

“I have shared so many experiences with them over the years, and to be part of the family of this club has been extra special. I am grateful for everything they have done for me. I can only say thank you.”