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Wayne Rooney on international retirement: It was time to bow out

Updated on: 24 August,2017 08:15 AM IST  |  Manchester
PA Sport |

England's all-time record-breaking scorer Wayne Rooney calls time on international career; says he regrets not having been part of a successful Three Lions outfit in a tournament

Wayne Rooney on international retirement: It was time to bow out

This file photo taken on February 17, 2004 shows England player Wayne Rooney is seen before the friendly match against Portugal in Faro 17 February 2004. AFP PHOTO Adrian DENNIS England
This file photo taken on February 17, 2004 shows England player Wayne Rooney is seen before the friendly match against Portugal in Faro 17 February 2004. AFP PHOTO Adrian DENNIS England's record goalscorer Wayne Rooney announced on August 23, 2017 he is retiring from international football with immediate effect, despite England manager Gareth Southgate telling him he had earned a recall. Pic/AFP


Wayne Rooney, 31, England's all-time top scorer, has announced his immediate retirement from international football. No outfield player has won more Three Lions caps than the him. He netted a record 53 goals across 119 appearances.


England manager Gareth Southgate phoned Rooney on Tuesday to say he wanted to include him in his upcoming squad following his fine start to life back at boyhood club Everton but the former Man United captain told Southgate he was quitting international football.


Rooney's statement
In a statement released yesterday, Rooney said: "It was great that Gareth Southgate called me this week to tell me he wanted me back in the England squad. However, having already thought long and hard, I told him I had 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. Every time I was selected as a player or captain was a privilege and I thank everyone but now is the time to bow out.

"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. One day the dream will come true and I look forward to being there as a fan — or in any capacity."

It's 14 and a half years since the wide-eyed 17-year-old striker burst onto the England scene, making his debut in a friendly against Australia at Upton Park in February 2003.

Rooney's first international goal followed against Macedonia that September and the following summer his outstanding performances led to a place in the Euro 2004 team. He was unable to match those individual displays at a major competition, despite playing three World Cups and two further Euro Championships. But he has left an indelible mark on the national game. He usurped Sir Bobby Charlton as England's all-time top scorer with his penalty against Switzerland in September 2015.

Rooney replaced David Beckham as England's most capped outfield player the following September in Slovakia — ahead of which he announced his intention to retire after the 2018 World Cup. But then England manager Southgate dropped his captain in his first matches as permanent manager in March.

Everton return
But leaving United for Everton has led to an immediate upturn in form, making Southgate ready to recall the long-serving forward for the upcoming World Cup qualifiers against Malta and Slovakia.

Yet, despite being within touching distance of Peter Shilton's record 125-cap haul for England, Rooney has decided to walk away with what already is a remarkable record.

Captaining his country to a 3-0 World Cup qualifying win over old foes Scotland last November proved his final appearance.

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