WAYNE ROONEY has stunned England by announcing his retirement from international football after rejecting an offer to come back from Gareth Southgate.
The former Three Lions captain and the country’s record goalscorer confirmed his decision this afternoon. After making a blistering start to life back at Everton, Southgate phoned Rooney on Tuesday to tell him he wanted him back in the fold for the upcoming World Cupqualifiers against Malta and Slovakia.
However, the Manchester United legend informed him of his decision to quit.
Speaking to Press Association Sport, he said: “It was great that Gareth Southgatecalled 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.”
Rooney, 31, is England’s most capped outfield player having appeared 119 times and he is the nation’s all-time top goalscorer with 53.
And he admits it was a tough decision to call time on international football. The Everton star added: “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.” Despite his personal achievements, Rooney has been unable to fire England to any tournament success throughout his 14-year international career.
And he admits that has been the only downside of his time with the Three Lions.
Rooney said: "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."
From The Sun
No comments:
Post a Comment