England captain announces retirement from international football

Steven Gerrard made his international debut against Ukraine in 2000 and served his team for 14 years with 114 international matches. He was captain of the England team 38 times and with 114 caps he became third most capped man following Peter Shilton (125) and David Beckham (115). He also joined England century club by Bobby Moore (108), Ashley Cole (107), Bobby Charlton (106), Frank Lampard (106) and Billy Wright (105).

Gerrard in his international carrier win two FA Cups, three League Cups, two Community Shields, one Champions League, one UEFA Cup, and two Super Cups.

Steven Gerrard said, “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,” said the 34-year-old, who will take up a role as an FA ambassador.

“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” .

“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.”

“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 fulfill 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.”