England's all-time leading scorer Wayne Rooney announces international retirement

Liverpool: England football team’s leading goal-scorer Wayne Rooney announced his retirement from international football on Wednesday.

The Manchester United legend has finally decided to hang up his boots after winning 119 caps for the Three Lions, having scored 53 goals in his career. The 31-year-old announced his retirement despite receiving a call up from Gareth Southgate for upcoming World Cup qualifiers against Malta and Slovakia.

"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,” Rooney said

"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 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. One of my very few regrets is not to have been part of a successful England tournament side, “ the Englishman added.  

"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 concluded.

Rooney previously returned to boyhood club Everton for the 2017-18 Premier League campaign after 13 years at Manchester United. Rooney has already scored two goals in his first two league appearances for the Toffees.