Wayne Rooney has called time on his England career after a glittering 14-year spell with the national team which saw him become their all-time record goalscorer.
In a statement released by the Everton striker on Wednesday, the former Manchester United star confirmed he no longer wants to be considered for international duty.
No outfield player has won more Three Lions caps than the 31-year-old, who netted a record 53 goals across 119 appearances for his country.
Wayne Rooney has called time on his England career by announcing international retirement
Rooney is England’s all-time record goalscorer with 53 goals – but will focus on his club career
In the forward’s statement he said Gareth Southgate wanted to recall him to the squad for the forthcoming games against Malta and Slovakia.
But the forward respectively declined — instead informing the England boss he wants to concentrate on playing for Everton.
‘It was great that 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,’ he said in his statement.
‘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.
Rooney is pictured on Wednesday preparing to board a flight to Croatia for a Europa League tie
The 31-year-old climbs the stairs on the same day he confirmed his international retirement
Gareth Southgate wanted to recall him to the squad for the games against Malta and Slovakia
‘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.’
Rooney informed Three Lions boss Southgate he wants to concentrate on playing for Everton
His goal against Macedonia (above) made him England’s youngest scorer of all time
Rooney’s two-goal showing against Croatia in Euro 2004 was one of his greatest games ever
It is 14 and a half years since the wide-eyed 17-year-old striker burst onto the scene for England, 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 of the tournament.
The forward was unable to match those individual displays at a major competition, despite going onto play in three World Cups and two further European Championships.
Rooney has, though, left an indelible mark on the national game.
The 31-year-old — just as he would later do with Manchester United — usurped Sir Bobby Charlton as England’s all-time top scorer with his penalty against Switzerland in September 2015.
Since making his debut, Rooney has had one of the most extraordinary England careers
Rooney replaced David Beckham as the country’s most capped outfield player the following September in Slovakia — ahead of which he announced his intention to retire after the 2018 World Cup.
That decision looked to be taken out of Rooney’s hands when England manager Southgate dropped his captain in his first matches as permanent manager in March.
But leaving United for Everton has led to an immediate upturn in form and fortunes, 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.
After England’s draw with Algeria in 2010, Rooney criticised the fans after the final whistle
Despite missing the first two games of Euro 2012, Rooney scored the winner against Ukraine
Rooney said: ‘It is a really tough decision and one I have discussed with my family’
Captaining his country to a 3-0 World Cup qualifying win over old foes Scotland last November proved his final appearance.
The subject of Rooney’s retirement is sure to dominate the agenda when Southgate announces his squad for the upcoming matches at St George’s Park on Thursday.
And his retirement from international football marks the end of an era, according to Football Association chairman Greg Clarke.
On a day when the former Manchester United captain announced he would not play for England any more, Clarke said: ‘Today marks the end of an era in international football.
‘Wayne Rooney is an icon of his generation and an undoubted legend of the game.
It’s been a busy year for Rooney with the striker leaving United for Everton during the summer
Rooney enjoys the moment after scoring his 200th Premier League goal on Monday
Rooney will only ever have scored once in a World Cup – against Uruguay in 2014
‘As his country’s all-time leading goalscorer and most-capped outfield player, it goes without saying that Wayne has deservedly earned the right to forever be called a Three Lions great.
‘I know it was always a huge honour for Wayne to pull on the England shirt and led his country as captain with great pride.
‘It’s with sadness that we see Wayne call time on his international career but we respect his decision and expect to see him continue to contribute to Everton and the rest of the football world for many years to come.
‘From street footballer to England captain, Wayne continues to be an inspiration for all.’
Charlton presents Rooney with a gold-plated commemorative boot after he broke the record
Everton star’s final international goal came against Iceland – eventually a humiliating defeat
