Rooney retires from international football

England's all-time leading scorer Wayne Rooney has retired from international football after turning down the chance to be part of the England squad for next month's World Cup qualifiers, reports bbc.com. The Everton striker, 31, was asked by national coach Gareth Southgate to be involved in the games against Malta and Slovakia. "Every time I was selected was a real privilege but I believe now is the time to bow out," Rooney said.

Wayne Rooney, England's all-time leading goalscorer, has announced his international retirement.

Developing story: https://t.co/JPntG6RCS8 pic.twitter.com/KoZzPBtuUc— BBC Sport (@BBCSport) August 23, 2017

Rooney scored 53 times in 119 games. It was great 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.

Wayne Rooney retires as England's all-time leading goalscorer https://t.co/KkbzZtvaJO pic.twitter.com/kQhDgR3CUh— Telegraph Football (@TeleFootball) 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. 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.

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

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.