England skipper Steven Gerrard has announced his decision to retire from international football.
“After a glittering 14-year career representing his country, Steven Gerrard has retired from international duty,” a statement read on the FA’s official website.
Liverpool legend said it is a sad day for him to end his international career and went ahead and thanked his family, England players and the managers he has played under.
“I have enjoyed every minute of representing my country and it is a sad day for me knowing that I won’t pull on the England shirt again,” Gerrard said.
“However, I do look forward to continuing my strong relationship with The FA and helping out in any way I can going forward.”
“I’d like to firstly thank my family and friends for all their support throughout my England journey.”
“I’d also like to thank everyone who has been part of my international career, from the England Managers I’ve played under to the staff at The FA and, of course, all the players I’ve been fortunate to play alongside.”
“In particular, the supporters have been amazing, not least in Brazil when they got behind the team despite the disappointing results.”
“I’d especially like to thank Roy [Hodgson], firstly for giving me the captaincy permanently when he took the job, making me the proudest man in the country and allowing me to fulfil my childhood dream.”
“He has been very understanding over the past few weeks and is a man I will always hold in the highest regard.”
“This has been a very difficult decision, one of the toughest I’ve had to make in my career. I have agonised over this since coming back from Brazil and have spoken to family, friends and people close to me in the game before coming to this point.”
“Most importantly, Brendan [Rodgers] has been fantastic and obviously I have to look after my body as much as possible to ensure I can give everything when I take to the field.”
“To ensure I can keep playing to a high level and giving everything to Liverpool Football Club I believe this is the right decision, and having Champions League football back at Anfield is another big factor in my decision,” the midfielder added.
Gerrard led England in the 2014 FIFA World Cup where Roy Hodgson saw his men fail to win even a single game. The Three Lions were knocked out of the competition from the group stages of the tournament.
Gerrard’s decision to end his time with England could come as a welcome boost for Liverpool and Brendan Rodgers as the midfielder can now focus on his club career.
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