Wayne Rooney, the Everton and former Manchester United striker, has announced his resignation from international football, after receiving a call to the England team by coach Gareth Southgate to appear in upcoming World Cup qualifiers against Slovenia and Lithuania.
“It was great Gareth Southgate called me this week to tell me he wanted me back in the England squad for the upcoming matches,” Rooney said in his statement. “I really appreciate that.
“However, having already thought long and hard, I told Gareth that I had now decided to retire for good from international football.
“Playing for England has always been special to me. Every time I was selected as a player or captain was a privilege and I thank everyone who helped me. But I believe now is the time to bow out.”
Rooney also spoke about his decision to return to his boyhood club Everton from Manchester United and how the Merseyside club is going to be his main priority.
“Leaving Manchester United was a tough call, but I know I made the right decision in coming home to Everton,” he said. “Now I want to focus all my energies on helping them be successful.”
Rooney made a total of 119 appearances for the Three Lions, scoring 53 goals, while also captaining the national team on 22 occasions.
