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James Collins bids farewell to Wales fans after retiring from international football: 'I'll always support our great country... Together Stronger'

James Collins has bid an emotional farewell to Wales fans after calling time on his international career.

The West Ham defender won 50 caps for his country, but decided to hang up his boots on his Wales career after falling behind the likes of Ashley Williams and James Chester in the pecking order.

Collins began his youth career with Cardiff City and first turned out for Wales age-group levels at 14, before making his senior bow against Norway in 2004.

Wales defender James Collins has called time on his international career after winning 50 caps
Wales defender James Collins has called time on his international career after winning 50 caps
The 34-year-old posted a photo on Instagram, pictured with Ronaldinho and Cristiano Ronaldo
The 34-year-old posted a photo on Instagram, pictured with Ronaldinho and Cristiano Ronaldo

He endured the tougher times of Welsh football, scoring his first goal in the 3-1 defeat by Cyprus in 2007 and was a regular fixture at the back during Wales' failed bids to reach World Cups and Euros before last year's Euro triumph.