Wayne Rooney, England’s top scorer before he was eclipsed by Harry Kane in March this year, announced his retirement from international football with immediate effect, on this day in 2017.
No outfield player has won more England men’s caps than the 37-year-old, who netted a then-record 53 goals across 120 appearances for his country.
Rooney had been offered a reprieve by England boss Gareth Southgate after a fine return to his boyhood club Everton, but decided the time was right to call it a day.
England v USA – International Friendly – Wembley Stadium
In a statement released to the PA news agency, Rooney said: “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.
“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 real privilege and I thank everyone who helped me.
“But I believe now is the time to bow out.”
Rooney made his England debut as a 17-year-old against Australia in February 2003 and scored his first goal against Macedonia in September that same year.
Macedonia v England
Just as he would later do with Manchester United, he usurped Sir Bobby Charlton as England’s all-time top scorer with his penalty against Switzerland in September 2015.
Rooney replaced David Beckham as the country’s most capped outfield player the following September in Slovakia – ahead of which he announced his intention to retire after the 2018 World Cup.
And despite being within touching distance of Peter Shilton’s record 125-cap haul for England men, Rooney stayed true to his decision to walk away with what was already a remarkable record.
Kunelopru
0
what a player wyen I still remember his acrobatic goal against man city
Kunelopru
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am a fun of green wood but what white's are doing is just inbarissing on him now what are you complaining of and yet they are having a baby so for me that's is now nonsense from you women so can a woman Fack a man please release him and let him go to another club so those guys who are compalining haven't the do anything in there life since they are married please release him
cibbloruyz
0
I used to fear this gem , wanted him at Barcelona but looked impossible he was energetic confident and played with passion fought for badge really!!! Wish you well bravo Ronnie
Legend
Heabdpru
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picture cr7
Heabdpru
1
picture
ImafidonErnest
3
On this day football lost one of its assets to the cold hand of retirement, it's just like yesterday but the day Lionel miss hang his booth, I will go on one year sabbatical from watching football
ruylmnos
0
What a player u were … miss u in football.
culer1
6
I used to fear this gem , wanted him at Barcelona but looked impossible he was energetic confident and played with passion fought for badge really!!! Wish you well bravo Ronnie