Former England captain Wayne Rooney announced his retirement from international football on Wednesday, ending a 14-year career in which he became the country’s top goalscorer with 53 goals.
“Having already thought long and hard, I told (England manager) Gareth (Southgate) that I had now decided to retire for good from international football,” Rooney said in a statement on his website.
- Debut: vs. Australia in 2003 aged 17 years and 111 days
- 119.
- 53.
“It is a really tough decision and one I have discussed with my family, my manager at Everton and those closest to me.”
The English FA said that Rooney told Southgate of his decision on Tuesday, after the manager informed him he could be called-up for the World Cup qualifiers next month.
The 31-year-old has not played for his country since England beat Scotland 3-0 last November.
Rooney said he would focus on extending his club career after his move back to boyhood club Everton from Manchester United in July.
