Rooney calls time on England
WAYNE ROONEY yesterday brought the curtain down on his international career only weeks after saying he wanted to play in next year’s World Cup. England’s record goalscorer made the shock announcement the day before Gareth Southgate was due to name him in his squad for the forthcoming qualifiers against Malta and Slovakia. The decision surprised England fans and Southgate, given that Rooney had stressed after moving from
Manchester United to Everton last month that he was keen to go to next summer’s finals in Russia. Southgate decided to recall the 31-year-old after seeing him score his second Premier League goal in two games at Manchester City on Monday night. The England coach let it be known to Rooney’s camp on Tuesday that he would be in the squad but Rooney called Southgate to tell him he had decided to retire from the international game. Rooney said: ‘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.’ Sources close to Rooney said he had agonised over the decision for a couple of weeks before deciding that the absence of international commitments would help prolong his club career. He also wanted to step down while he was still playing at a high level. On the domestic front, his wife Coleen is pregnant with the couple’s fourth child. Rooney added: ‘It was great that Gareth Southgate called this week to tell me he wanted me back in the England squad. 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. ‘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.’ Rooney scored 53 goals for England during a recordbreaking career that began as a 17-year-old against Macedonia in 2003.