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Wayne Rooney announced his retirement from the England national team on Wednesday, ending a 14-year stint in which he became the country's top goal-scorer with 53 goals.
Rooney said he had made the decision despite being told by England manager Gareth Southgate that he will be recalled to the squad for next month's World Cup qualifiers.
Rooney's decision comes two days after he scored for Everton in their 1-1 draw at Manchester City in the Premier League and was widely praised for his performance.
It was Rooney's second goal in as many games for the club he rejoined last month after spending 13 years with Manchester United and prompted speculation over an England recall.
But the Liverpudlian has decided to concentrate all his efforts on his club career.
Rooney earned his first cap against Australia in 2003 at the age of 17 years and 111 days to become the youngest player, at the time, to represent the national side. He also leaves as England's most-capped outfield player with 119 appearances.
The former England captain has not played for his country since a 3-0 win over Scotland at Wembley last November.
Rooney's goal on Monday meant he became only the second player to score 200 Premier League goals behind another former England striker Alan Shearer.
But while he has won five Premier League titles and a Champions League, among other trophies, during his time at Old Trafford he remained without a medal for England, who have not won a major tournament since the World Cup in 1966.
(With inputs from Reuters)
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