Football Football Wayne Rooney retires from England international duty Wayne Rooney, England's record goal-scorer, has announced his international career is at an end. Team Sportstar 23 August, 2017 17:45 IST Wayne Rooney has scored 53 goals from 119 official appearances for the Three Lions. - Getty Images Team Sportstar 23 August, 2017 17:45 IST England's record goal-scorer Wayne Rooney has announced his retirement from international football on Wednesday.Rooney released a statement to Press Association Sport."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. Dreams can come true and playing for @England has been exactly that. Thanks to everyone involved it's been amazing - https://t.co/GfiT7oVCpx— Wayne Rooney (@WayneRooney) August 23, 2017 "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. 53 goals. 119 games. Forever a #ThreeLions legend. Thank you, @WayneRooney. pic.twitter.com/j5iT6XHJKz— England (@England) August 23, 2017 "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."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 has scored 53 goals from 119 official appearances for the Three Lions. Subscribe to our daily newsletter Get your daily dose of Sportstar with handpicked stories delivered right to your inbox! SUBSCRIBE Please enter a valid email address. Dugout videos