Danny Gabbidon quits international football
Welsh defender Danny Gabbidon has confirmed that he is retiring from international football.
The 31-year-old has had a number of persistent injuries through his career and has had injury problems with his hamstrings, thighs, lower back and his calves. The player stated that this was the primary reason for his retirement which will take place with
immediate effect.
Gabbidon was named in the caretaker manager Brian Flynn’s squad for the Welsh Euro 2012 qualifiers against Bulgaria and Switzerland.
The new Welsh manager was unimpressed that Gabbidon did not inform him of his decision "If the roles were reversed and I hadn't picked Danny in the squad and I hadn't spoken to him, I think he'd be a bit disappointed," said Flynn. "I think I'm the same.
Disappointed. I think I was worth a phone call."
Gabbidon has won 43 caps for Wales and said, “After long consideration, I have decided to retire from international duty. On a personal note, I would like to thank the Football Association of Wales for their support over the years and I would like to thank
people of Wales who supported me and my fellow team-mates at every game, home and away, giving their all to the cause – true supporters.
The West Ham defender won his first cap for his country in a match against the Czech Republic in March 2002. His final was as a substitute in a 3-0 friendly win against Scotland in November 2009.
The 31-year-old has never managed to qualify for a major tournament, but thanked all those who stood by him.
"I would also like to say a special thank you to my family, friends and management team, who have stood by me throughout the many good times and very few bad times. It has been a wonderful journey.”
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