Wayne Rooney will retire from England duty after 2018 World Cup
Wayne Rooney today announced his intention to retire from international football after the 2018 World Cup in Russia.
The 30-year-old was speaking at St George’s Park after new England manager Sam Allardyce last night confirmed Rooney would continue as captain for the forthcoming qualification campaign which begins in Slovakia on Sunday.
Rooney insisted he was honoured to retain the armband following Roy Hodgson’s departure after England were knocked out of Euro 2016 by Iceland but made the surprising revelation that he has already decided when he will walk away from representing his country.
“Realistically I know Russia will be my last opportunity to do anything with England so I am going to try and enjoy these two years and then hopefully I can end my time with England on a high,” said the Manchester United forward.
“Whether I was captain or not, I was still going to be available for selection and spending the same time with the players. It is a huge honour to captain your country and I am thankful to Sam for giving me the opportunity.
“I have had a fantastic international career, played a lot of games and I’ve enjoyed every minute but at some point it has got to come to an end. I’m not old – I’m 30 years of age – and come Russia, I feel that would be the right time for me to say goodbye to international football.
“My mind is made up – obviously that is down to Sam Allardyce again in terms of over the next two years – but that will be my last tournament if selected. I’ve enjoyed some highs and some lows but I am an immensely proud man.”
@WayneRooney says he's pleased to be continuing as #ThreeLions captain https://t.co/mFz4vM4IhJ
— England (@England) August 30, 2016
Rooney, who is England’s all-time goalscorer with 53 goals and 115 caps to his name, refuted any suggestion that he made the decision in an effort to prolong his international career, following in the footsteps of a number of former England players including Paul Scholes and John Terry.
“Obviously I have seen players who have retired from international football for the sake of two or three days off in the week,” he added. “Is it really going to make that much difference? I’m not too sure. After the World Cup Russia, looking at the next tournament I’ll be 34 and so it is the right time for me to stop playing.
“I started professional football when I was 16 and international football when I was 17. So, 15 years in international football is a lot.”