Wayne Rooney retires from England

Wayne Rooney

After 14 years of a spell binding career in England with an all-time record of goal scoring with the national team, Wayne Rooney is finally retiring from the English team.

 In a statement released by the , Rooney, the former Manchester United star has 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.

In the Everton striker's statement he says 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.