Picture Credit : Sky Sports
England’s record goalscorer and star striker Wayne Rooney has announced that he is retiring from international football with immediate effect after manager Gareth Southgate tried to recall him to the squad.
The 31-year-old — scorer of 53 goals in 119 appearances for his country — told Southgate of his decision during a phone conversation on Tuesday in report by AFP.
Southgate had phoned Rooney — who had lost both the captaincy and eventually his place in the squad as he became a peripheral figure under Jose Mourinho at Manchester United last season — to congratulate him on his early season form for new club Everton.
England’s highest ever goalscorer calls it a day. Congratulations to @WayneRooney on a magnificent international career. A player’s player.
— Gary Lineker (@GaryLineker) August 23, 2017
Rooney has looked rejuvenated and happy — scoring in both their Premier League matches so far — since he re-signed for the club that nurtured his talent as a teenager before he left for United.
“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,” said Rooney in a statement sent to Press Association Sport.
“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 (Ronald Koeman) and those closest to me.
What a career Wayne Rooney a fantastic servant for England. Only one dive that annoyed me against Man Utd 49th game ?
— Sol Campbell (@SolManOfficial) August 23, 2017
“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.”
Rooney, England’s most capped outfield player ever, said his sole purpose now in football was to ensure Everton won trophies.
David Beckham on Wayne Rooney. #WayneRooney #England pic.twitter.com/iXtVpyXOcS
— Krishna Tarun (@Pudi_24) August 24, 2017
With Wayne Rooney retiring, the Golden Generation is officially over…
… Still can’t work out how they didn’t win anything. ? pic.twitter.com/wBReqyfhgp
— Football__Tweet (@Football__Tweet) August 24, 2017
Sven-Goran Eriksson on Wayne Rooney: “It’s a pity. He still can play in the national team. It’s a pity he will miss the next World Cup.” pic.twitter.com/frNDKlAnto
— Squawka News (@SquawkaNews) August 24, 2017
