Joe Allen announces retirement hours before final match

FORMER Premier League star Joe Allen has announced his retirement from football.

The 35-year-old midfielder will hang up his boots after Swansea's final game of the season against Oxford tomorrow.

On his decision to call it a day, Allen said: "This is incredibly difficult. This is not something I've taken lightly, I've spent a lot of time pondering it.

"The timing's right. I made the decision, got to 100 per cent 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.

"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 has helped me on my way to have these amazing experiences."

Allen, who came through the academy at Swansea, has featured in 24 Championship games for them this season.

In total, he will finish having played 221 games for the club.

Allen left Swansea for Liverpool in 2012 for £15million as he followed manager Brendan Rodgers to Anfield.

He featured 132 times for the Reds across four seasons before leaving for Stoke in 2016.

The 77-time capped international was also a key member of the Wales squad that made the semi-final of Euro 2016.

Allen made the team of the tournament and he is a former winner of the Welsh player of the year award.

His decision to quit football is a major blow for Wales boss Craig Bellamy, who convinced him out of international retirement just last year after he initially said his with the Dragons was up post-2022 World Cup.

Yet it is one midfield maestro for another at Swansea as Real Madrid legend Luka Modric has purchased a minority stake in the club.