Gunter proud to be Wales’ first centurion

CHRIS Gunter becomes the first Welshman to win 100 caps tonight, admitting that he would have believed it impossible on the day he won his first as a teenager 14 years ago.

Wales’ 2-2 friendly draw with New Zealand at Wrexham’s Racecourse Ground on May 26, 2007 would long have slipped into Welsh football history but for Gunter’s debut.

What has followed since has been a story of despair and delight and, in a nation which has produced the likes of John Charles, Gareth Bale and Ian Rush, three figures are finally reached in a behind-closed-doors friendly with Mexico at the Cardiff City Stadium.

“The week before my debut was the most enjoyable,” said Gunter (31) who will captain Wales in his landmark game. “Being around players you’ve watched for years on the TV, probably never thinking you’d be in that position.

“The feelings are completely different when you get in the squad, you just try and stay in it.

“But if you’d have told me on that day that I’d be on the brink of 100 caps, I certainly wouldn’t have believed anyone.

“I’m just very proud. It means the world to me to represent the country and do what I know so many people would love to do.

“It’s tough to put into words because you’ve given your life to performing for your country. But you never it take for granted.”

When asked for a highlight from his 14 years with Wales, he said: “The Euro 2016 summer and the spell leading up to that in the qualifying campaign.”