England’s all-time top goalscorer Wayne Rooney has announced his retirement from international football.
The 31-year-old, who re-joined boyhood club Everton from Manchester United earlier this summer, scored 53 goals in 119 caps for The Three Lions between 2003 and 2016.
Rooney turned down the opportunity to be part of manager Gareth Southgate’s England squad during next month’s 2018 FIFA World Cup qualification fixtures against Malta and Slovakia respectively.
Rooney vs Australia in May 2016.
Also Manchester United’s all-time leading scorer with 253 strikes in all competitions, Rooney netted his 200th Premier League goal on Monday night during Everton’s 1-1 draw at Manchester City.
The Liverpool-born forward made his England debut against Australia back in February 2003, before featuring for The Three Lions at Euro 2004, the 2006 and 2010 World Cups, Euro 2012, the 2014 World Cup and Euro 2016 last summer.
His last cap came in England’s 3-0 win over Scotland at Wembley Stadium back in November 2016, where Rooney assisted Gary Cahill’s header.
Referee Horacio Elizondo of Argentina shows England’s Rooney a red card during the 2006 World Cup quarter-final against Portugal.
Here is Rooney’s statement in full from his official website:
“It was great Gareth Southgate called me this week to tell me he wanted me back in the England squad for the upcoming matches. I really appreciated that.
“However, having already thought long and hard, I told Gareth that I had now decided to retire for good from international football.
“It is a really tough decision and one I have discussed with my family, my manager at Everton and those closest to me.
“Playing for England has always been special to me. Every time I was selected as a player or captain was a real privilege and I thank everyone who helped me. But I believe now is the time to bow out.
Everton’s Rooney.
“Leaving Manchester United was a tough call but I know I made the right decision in coming home to Everton. Now I want to focus all my energies on helping them be successful.
“I will always remain a passionate England fan. One of my very few regrets is not to have been part of a successful England tournament side.
“Hopefully the exciting players Gareth is bringing through can take that ambition further and I hope everyone will get behind the team.
“One day the dream will come true and I look forward to being there as a fan – or in any capacity.”