CHRIS Gunter’s record-breaking night with Wales ended in a disappointing defeat to lowly Albania for the Reading FC full-back.
Gunter made his 93rd international appearance in the friendly in Elbasan to surpass Neville Southall’s record and become his country’s most-capped player.
But it proved to be a bittersweet occasion for the Cardiff-born 29-year-old, who wore the captain’s armband for only the second time.
Wales, 42 places higher in the Fifa rankings, succumbed to an Albania side that lost 4-0 to Scotland on Saturday and were relegated from their Nations League group.
However, Bekin Balaj’s 59th minute penalty condemned Ryan Giggs’ side to a worrying loss ahead of next year’s European Championship qualifiers.
Wales manager Giggs admitted: “It's a shame we couldn't mark it, this unbelievable achievement, with a positive result.
“Chris will be disappointed but, overall when you look outside this game, what he's done for Wales, what he's done for Welsh football is amazing.
"It might be a record that never gets beaten.
"It's a true show of how dedicated he is, how much he loves playing football, he looks after himself and he deserves all the plaudits he gets for breaking the record."
A host of Gunter’s Royals teammates past and present have been offering their congratulations via social media.
This man concretes himself as a Welsh legend tonight. 93 caps at 29 and a great guy to go with it. Enjoy the night my friend. @Chrisgunter16 pic.twitter.com/RrP3XpzDQj
— Liam Moore (@liammoore93) November 20, 2018
Congratulations to @Chrisgunter16 on becoming the all time appearance holder for Wales 🏴. At the age of 29 shows the commitment you’ve made to your country and you deserve all the… https://t.co/1e0IY3A8Fj
— Simon Cox (@SCoxy31Real) November 21, 2018
Congratulations to the Welsh legend @Chrisgunter16 on your record mate thoroughly deserved!! ❤️🙌🏼 pic.twitter.com/UzVQVkMeEO
— George Evans (@GeorgeEvans70) November 20, 2018
Congrats bro @Chrisgunter16 🙌🏾
— Nick Blackman (@nblackman89) November 20, 2018
What an achievement!! ❤️ 🐉 pic.twitter.com/lB2RlFWeJV
Also huge congratulations @Chrisgunter16 on creating history tonight! most professional and nicest bloke I’ve met in football. enjoy the night bro ❤️ pic.twitter.com/fGVlV4BOoY
— sam smith (@samtsmith_) November 20, 2018
Gunter will report back to Hogwood Park tomorrow ahead of Reading’s trip to Wigan Athletic this Saturday (3pm ko).
He will be joined by several other members of Paul Clement’s squad who have also been away on international duty.
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