Gerrard Retires From International Football

England and Liverpool captain, Steven Gerrard, has called time on his international career with the Three Lions after his side’s disappointing 2014 FIFA World Cup … Continue reading Gerrard Retires From International Football


geradEngland and Liverpool captain, Steven Gerrard, has called time on his international career with the Three Lions after his side’s disappointing 2014 FIFA World Cup performance.

Gerrard retires from international football after winning 114 caps for England, scoring 21 goals since his debut in 2000 under Coach Kevin Keegan.

The Liverpool captain, who represented his country at six major tournaments, says it was a difficult decision to take and he had to consult widely before the decision to stop playing for England.

“It was a very difficult decision to make. It’s something I have been contemplating for a long time, not just since the end of the World Cup,” the Liverpool skipper said.

“I’ve had to take an awful lot of advice from people who are close to me – players that I still play with, ex-players who I played with a long time ago, managers who I played for years ago.

“It’s been a really tough decision, certainly one of the toughest since I turned professional at 18.

“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.

“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”.

Gerrard will, however, continue to play for his club, Liverpool, with whom he made his debut in 1998 against Blackburn Rovers.

”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.”

Gerrard will now assume a “high profile” ambassadorial role with the Football Association.