Wayne Rooney Retires From International Football

After 119 caps and a record breaking 53 goals, Wayne Rooney has officially brought an end to his international career.

The former England captain has announced his retirement from the international game today, following a meeting with manager Gareth Southgate.

Rooney was dropped from Southgate's last squad for the Three Lions' games against Scotland and France in June and has now called time on his 14 year affiliation with the national team.

Rooney released an official statement, via his official website, explaining his decision, even though Gareth Southgate had wanted to include him in his upcoming England squad following a positive return to Everton, in which the 31-year-old has scored two goals in the opening two Premier League games of the new season.

"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.

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."

The former Manchester United skipper became the youngest player to ever represent England when he won his first cap against Australia during a 3-1 defeat at Upton Park, in February 2003 and would go onto make another 118 appearances for his country, playing at six major tournaments along the way.

The 31-year-old is also England's second highest capped player of all time, just six caps behind Peter Shilton, who represented the Three Lions 125 times.

Topics: Football, England, Wayne Rooney

Joe Baiamonte

Northerner. Assistant Editor of SPORTbible. Studied Journalism and Broadcasting in a portakabin on a car park of Salford University for three years. Believes football peaked with Serie A in the '90s and strong-arms pro wrestling references into as many articles as possible. Neymar once took 50 euros off me during a game of poker.

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