England captain Steven Gerrard has issued a statement through FATV (Football Association Television) announcing his retirement from international football.
Whilst admitting that it was "something that I've been contemplating for a long time", Gerrard said it was still an "agonising" decision, involving an "awful lot of advice from people who are close to me".
The 34-year-old midfielder made his England debut in 2000 in a 2-0 win over Ukraine and went on to play 114 times for his country, making him the third most-capped player of all-time behind Peter Shilton (125) and David Beckham (115).
In total, Gerrard captained England 38 times, including during the 2010 and 2014 World Cups, as well as at the Euro 2012 tournament.
England's latest World Cup campaign in Brazil ended in bitter disappointment with just one point from three games - and an early exit.
But Gerrard insisted that England's poor performance had not influenced his decision to retire.
"I haven't made my decision on the back of the World Cup, I've made my decision on my age, on my body, on being fair to Liverpool Football Club, being respectful for them, especially with having the Champions League back - that was a huge factor," said Gerrard.
"To ask my body now, the way it is and what it's been through, to play international football and domestic football was too much of an ask."
SNTV
source: newshub archive