Chris Gunter is relishing the task of putting Wales on the map at the upcoming FIFA World Cup – however he will have one eye on what’s going on at Plough Lane.
Speaking for the first time since receiving his call-up to represent his country in the tournament, the 109-cap international discussed his feelings on the occasion, Wales’ team spirit and how he hopes to get the name of AFC Wimbledon out to a global audience.
You can watch the interview on our Official YouTube Channel, whilst the full transcript is available to read down below.
THE CALL-UP
I’ve got a lot of pride and I’m looking forward to meeting up with the squad. It’s strange timing with the season still going on and there being games to play. It’s a situation I’ve never been in and I’ll be looking to take each day as it comes.
It’ll take a little while (to set in). This one is different to the other major tournaments that we’ve played a part in. Usually you have a month to prepare at the end of a season but this time we’re meeting up and flying almost straight away. Before you know it we’ll be into the tournament. It’ll hit us about how big a deal it is when we get there.
TOURNAMENT AMBITIONS
We won’t be setting ourselves too many targets. The main thing for us is that we are the best version of ourselves. How ever far that takes us, so be it. Hopefully when we get on the plane to come back home, we’ll have made our country proud.
We’ve played with each other for years and years. We’re all mates and we always have fun when we meet up. There’s a huge level of respect and spirit amongst the squad. We’re very fortunate. We want to put the flag and name of Wales on the world stage and reward our fans for their great support.
REPRESENTING THE DONS
There’s bigger names in football than me. But I do enjoy seeing the club’s name on the squad list. It makes me proud. I’m happy to put Wimbledon out there in any way I can. The World Cup is massive but it’ll be strange for me to miss games whilst I’m on the other side of the world.
I hope there’ll have been some good results when I come back. I’m disappointed to be missing out, my job is to help this club, so it doesn’t fully sit right with me. It will be important for me to keep an eye on how things are going. We’ve got a lively group. No doubt they’ll be on to me! I still want to feel like I’m involved whilst I’m away.
Watch Chris take on the Three Lions!
Book now to take advantage of our early bird price of £20 to watch England take on Wales at Plough Lane on 29 November. You can secure your spot via the Seat Unique website.
PICS: Pro Sports Images and Lucy Dixon