England's top goalscorer quits international football

By Ahmet Gurhan Kartal

LONDON (AA) - Wayne Rooney, England’s all-time leading goalscorer, announced his retirement from international football on Wednesday.

Rooney ended his 119-game international career, which saw him score 53 goals for his country, after being invited by manager Gareth Southgate to play in World Cup qualifiers against Malta and Slovakia next month.

“Every time I was selected as a player or captain was a real privilege and I thank everyone who helped me,” the 31-year-old, who returned to boyhood club Everton from Manchester United over the summer, said in a statement.

“But I believe now is the time to bow out.”

He added: “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… One day the dream will come true and I look forward to being there as a fan -- or in any capacity.”

Rooney did not feature in England’s matches against Scotland and Spain in June.

He made his England debut in February 2003 against Australia and was 18 when he featured at Euro 2004.

His record places him 12th on the list of Europe's all-time top international goalscorers, according to UEFA. Rooney scored his 200th Premier League goal on Monday night.