Wayne Rooney has decided to retire from international football by his own accord, despite being asked by England boss Gareth Southgate to be part of the squad for next month’s World Cup qualifiers.
Rooney netted a record 53 times in 119 international matches for the Three Lions.
The Twitter world has been quick to comment on the end of Rooney’s international career, with many former footballers and celebrities posting their tribute to the Everton striker.
Here’s a round-up of the best so far:
England’s highest ever goalscorer calls it a day. Congratulations to @WayneRooney on a magnificent international career. A player’s player.
— Gary Lineker (@GaryLineker) August 23, 2017
Well done on a record-breaking @England career, @WayneRooney! https://t.co/H07zmCIdJm
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) August 23, 2017
Rooney never recaptured his Euro 2004 brilliance with #eng but his commitment to #eng an example to others.
— Henry Winter (@henrywinter) August 23, 2017
Right time for Rooney to go. #eng attacking future lies with Kane, Alli & Rashford. Good news for #efc as he’ll rest in international weeks.
— Henry Winter (@henrywinter) August 23, 2017
Congratulations @WayneRooney on one of the all-time great England careers.
Always gave 100% for your team & your country. 👏👏 https://t.co/IInbR3SJ6I— Piers Morgan (@piersmorgan) August 23, 2017
Players retiring themselves though!!
If they knew what being ‘forced’ to retire was like they would NEVER UTTER the word!#rooney— Dean Ashton (@Dean36ashton10) August 23, 2017
Well played, Wayne Rooney 👏👏👏
👕 119
⚽️ 53England’s all-time leading goalscorer ☑️ pic.twitter.com/vw9CIpN1Jx
— UEFA EURO (@UEFAEURO) August 23, 2017
Wayne Rooney has been a national treasure and now he’s hung up the international boots EFC will benefit immensely!!! 🙏🏿 Class 💎
— Kevin Campbell (@1kevincampbell) August 23, 2017
If I’m @WayneRooney I have absolutely no interest in playing for England again. What is there to gain? Concentrate on The Toffees.
— Richard Keys (@richardajkeys) August 23, 2017
A fantastic @England player who always gave his all. @WayneRooney helped me loads when I got into the squad. An @England legend. #Rooney 🦁🦁🦁 pic.twitter.com/AR30GIq9lw
— Chris Smalling (@ChrisSmalling) August 23, 2017
👏 Congratulations on an incredible @England career! 👏https://t.co/hpBwoPwvre pic.twitter.com/7FuSSEOnWT
— Everton (@Everton) August 23, 2017
👏 @WayneRooney – an amazing player and goalscorer for @England. A three lions legend. 🦁🦁🦁 pic.twitter.com/qrYlYbyTCu
— Harry Kane (@HKane) August 23, 2017