Old-boy Rooney rules out England comeback

LONDON: Wayne Rooney (pic) has ruled out any chance of him making an England comeback.

Rooney, charged with drink-driving this week, had the door left open for a return by Three Lions boss Gareth Southgate.

But speaking before his arrest, Rooney ruled out coming out of retirement even to answer an S.O.S. at next year’s World Cup.

He said: “My mind is made up. I have seen it a few times, where players have come out of retirement and gone to tournaments – and it’s not right.

“The lads who are trying to qualify for Russia will be the players that deserve to play in the tournament. “So my decision has been made.” In a wide-ranging interview, Rooney talks about giving up his recordbreaking England career.

The 31-year-old was set to be recalled to Southgate’s squad for Friday’s World Cup qualifier in Malta and today’s Group F date with Slovakia at Wembley. But he decided to quit to concentrate on playing for Everton.

Southgate has spoken about paying a fitting tribute in a match to celebrate the player who tops the nation’s goal charts with 53 in 119 appearances.

Rooney said: “I spoke to my wife Coleen over the summer.

“It was my decision. I was letting her know basically! It is the right decision.

“I’ve had my time. I can’t have any regrets.

“It’s now time for some of the younger lads to step up and try to take it further.

“Of course I’ll be watching.

“I’ve made it clear throughout my career that I love playing for England and want England to do well – and that remains.

“Now I won’t be playing, I’ll be watching with the same interest as everyone else.

“Hopefully we can go that next step in the tournament.” — The Sun, London