Chris Gunter: Stalwart defender thankful ahead of 100th cap for Wales
Chris Gunter of Wales arrives at the Cardiff City Stadium. Wales v Belarus International Challenge Match at the Cardiff City Stadium. Lewis Mitchell/YCPD.
Chris Gunter expressed his pride at becoming the first men’s player to reach 100 international caps for Wales.
Gunter will follow into the footsteps of Loren Dykes, Jess Fishlock and Sophie Ingle, in making a century of appearances for their national team.
The defender made his debut for Wales in 2007 as a 17 year-old in a friendly against New Zealand at the Racecourse Ground.
Fourteen years on, Gunter is set to reach the accolade of a century of appearances in Wales’ friendly with Mexico this weekend.
The 31 year-old right-back’s international career has included memorably qualifying for a first major tournament in 58 years, reaching the semi-finals of the European Championships in 2016.
Gunter conveyed the honour of reaching a century of caps, as he approaches a special night in his career.
“It’s one I’m very proud of, it means the world to me to represent the country and do what I know so many people would love to do, so it’s something you never take for granted.
“It’s tough to put into words you’ve given your life to hopefully performing for your country, so I’m going to try and enjoy the day and the evening as much as possible.
“I think it’ll be one when you finish your career and look back, you’ll be able to look back probably a little bit better.
As Wales’ friendly with Mexico will be played behind closed doors, the Red Wall won’t be in attendance to celebrate Gunter’s fine achievement.
The defender insisted that there will come a time for him to thank the fans for their support during his international career.
“I think the empty stadium is easier for myself, because it’s become the norm with there not being the fans or anyone coming to watch.
“From a personal point of view, I’m ok with that. Taking myself out of it, I feel sorry for my family and friends and of course the fans, who would probably give anything to be there and celebrate it.
“That’s why I would be sad, for them, not for myself, because I’m not one for much attention or the spotlight being on me so in terms of that, an empty stadium is ok by me.
“I know in terms of the fans, whenever football returns to normal, I’ll have a chance to say thank you to them for the support they’ve given me.
“They’d probably say they’d love to be there to thank me but that’s not really how it works, they certainly don’t need to thank me for anything, it’s more from me to them.
“I know that opportunity will come, they’ll be back and I can show my appreciation for all they’ve done for me over the years.”
