NewsJoe Allen announces retirement from football

The 35-year-old announced his intention on Friday ahead of Swansea City's season finale against Oxford United.

The Welshman said: "It's been a very difficult decision but one that, it goes without saying, I have given an awful lot of thought to.

"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.

"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."

Allen signed for the Reds from Swansea in the summer of 2012 and made 132 appearances and netted seven goals across his four years at Anfield.

He played 37 matches during his debut season and opened his scoring account away at Oldham Athletic in the FA Cup.

Allen then appeared 26 times in the 2013-14 campaign as Brendan Rodgers' side launched an unexpected push for the Premier League title but narrowly missed out.

His final season on Merseyside would be in 2015-16 when he racked up 37 outings and converted the winning penalty in the League Cup semi-finals against future club Stoke City.

Allen then spent the next six years at the Potters before returning to Swansea.

At international level, the Carmarthen-born player was capped by Wales on 77 occasions.