LONDON (Reuters) – England’s record goalscorer Wayne Rooney announced yesterday he is retiring from international football with immediate effect, despite England manager Gareth Southgate telling him he had earned a recall.

The 31-year-old, scorer of 53 goals in 119 appearances for his country, told Southgate of his decision during a phone conversation.

“Having already thought long and hard, I told Gareth that I had now decided to retire for good from international football,” said Rooney.in a statement released last night.

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