Sam Vokes has announced his retirement from football at the end of the season.
Vokes was capped 64 times for Cymru, scoring 11 times for his country. Having made his debut against Iceland in 2008, Vokes’ most iconic goal in a Cymru shirt was a header against Belgium in the UEFA EURO 2016 quarter final, securing a 3-1 win and a place in the semi-finals.
Vokes released the statement below to announce the news.
It’s been twenty years since my debut and after 750 appearances, including 64 caps for Wales, this Saturday’s match at Gillingham will be my last. I feel now is the right time to retire from a career I have absolutely loved.
I remember watching my team, the Saints, down at The Dell, dreaming of one day making just one appearance in professional football. Never did I dream I’d be fortunate enough to have played across all 4 divisions and represent some amazing clubs including AFC Bournemouth, Wolves, Burnley, Stoke, Wycombe & Gillingham. I also gained invaluable experience on loan at Leeds United, Bristol City, Sheffield United, Norwich City & Brighton and Hove Albion earlier in my career.
I’d like to say a huge thank you to all those clubs for giving me the opportunity to play for their teams and to have experienced all that I have in the game, from the lows to the immense highs of promotions, and everything in between.
I’d like to thank all the managers, coaches and staff members that I’ve had the pleasure of meeting and working with along the way. I like to think I’ve taken something from every single one of you.
To all my teammates, you’ve made the greatest job in the world even more enjoyable! Once you’ve shared a dressing room with someone and the experiences that brings week in week out, you will always have a special bond and I can truly say I’ve made friends for life.
To have represented Wales 64 times over 12 years and to have experienced everything that comes with international football was a dream! Sharing the Welsh dressing room with all the amazing players, managers, coaches and staff members was a privilege.
To have had the chance to go on the unbelievable journey with Wales, from some of the tough times we faced to reaching the heights of 2016 and also having the chance to play football all over the world representing Cymru, is something I’ll never forget!
To all the football fans I’ve had the chance to play in front of… thank you.
My first ever memories of football are as a fan in the stands supporting my team and that has always driven me when representing the clubs I’ve played for; win, lose or draw, from scoring the goal to clinch Premier League promotion at Turf Moor, to scoring in front of the famous ‘Red Wall’ of Wales.
If over my 20 years I have created one tiny lasting memory or celebration that you can remember, then I feel I’ve done my job.
To all my family and friends, thank you for your support and being on this journey with me.
Mum & Dad, thank you! For many years you ran me all round the country to training sessions most nights of the week, to matches in all kinds of weather and for ticking off all 92+ clubs, watching me at nearly every game I’ve ever played in. (Sorry Dad, you’ll have to find something else to do on a Saturday afternoon now).
Finally, to my amazing wife Maddy and my two girls. This whole journey wouldn’t have been possible without you and your support. You’ve been by my side from day one, moved all over the country with me at the drop of a hat and supported me the whole way.
To look up in the stand and have you alongside our girls cheering me on is the greatest feeling ever! I now look forward to time together and our future whatever that next step looks like.
So all in all, thank you football.
