AARON RAMSEY and Gareth Bale led the tributes to Wales’ first male centurion Chris Gunter.
The 31-year-old will make history by winning his 100th Wales cap against Mexico in a Cardiff friendly on Saturday night.
Juventus star Ramsey will not be in the Welsh capital to celebrate with his best mate following a thigh injury.
But Rambo sent a heartfelt message to Gunter from Italy as part of a three-minute tribute video released by the Football Association of Wales on the eve of the landmark.
Ramsey beamed: “100 caps. You have been brilliant for Wales over the years. We have shared some great memories on the pitch and you deserve it mate.
“You have been there, through thick and thin, always available and you have finally done it. A centurion.”
Bale, who was ready to pass the captain’s armband to cult hero Gunter for the Mexico friendly, added: “Gunts, congratulations on your 100th cap. It’s been a pleasure to play with you since a young age.”
The highlight of Gunter’s Wales career to date has been the glorious run to the Euro 2016 semi-finals under Chris Coleman with many of that squad contributing to the video tribute.
Ex-Wales boss Coleman said: “I’m so happy for you mate. When you walk out for your 100th cap, forget about the qualifications and the tournament, they will live forever.
“Think about where you came from, think about how long it has taken you, the sacrifice and hard work you have put in to reach 100 caps. It’s absolutely amazing. It really is.”
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Goalkeeper Wayne Hennessey, who played alongside Gunter during his first cap back in 2007, added: “Fantastic achievement. I remember the first game against New Zealand at Wrexham and you have come such a long way. You have done absolutely amazing.”
Former Wales captain Ashley Williams, the nation’s leader at Euro 2016, said: “Not many players can say they have got 100 caps playing for their country. Great professionalism and desire from yourself to always be fit and be available for selection.”
Sam Vokes, who scored the all-important third goal in the quarter-final which sealed a 3-1 triumph over Belgium from Gunter’s cross, added: “Congratulations, Gunts. Unbelievable achievement mate.
“100 caps, it’s been a pleasure being a part of a lot of them with you, especially one night in Lille when, thank God, you decided not to listen to the gaffer and you did cross that f*****g ball.”
That was in reference to Coleman’s order – revealed after Euro 2016 on Wales’ documentary ‘Don’t Take Me Home’ – when he screamed out on the touchline to tell the wing-back to run down the clock rather than try to pick out the striker.
But Gunter ignored him and Vokes powered a header past Thibaut Courtois.
Wales midfielder Joe Allen added: “Congratulations, Gunts. It’s an incredible achievement to get to 100. It says it all about you, the performances and the commitment to the cause has been second to none.”
Euro 2016 team-mates Joe Ledley, Andy King, Jonny Williams, James Chester, Neil Taylor, David Edwards and Owain Fon Williams also paid tribute to Gunter.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
