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Steven Gerrard

LONDON. – England and Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard has announced his retirement from international soccer, England’s Football Association said yesterday.
Gerrard (34) won his first cap in a 2-0 win over Ukraine in 2000 and played for the last time at the 2014 World Cup in a 0-0 draw with Costa Rica.
Gerrard hangs up his England boots after 14 years and 114 appearances for the national team.
The 34-year-old skippered Roy Hodgson’s side at the World Cup in Brazil, where England crashed out in the group stages with just one point.
Gerrard will now focus on extending his club career with Liverpool.

“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,” Gerrard said.
“However, I do look forward to continuing my strong relationship with the FA and helping out in any way I can going forward.

“I have enjoyed every minute of representing my country. It’s a sad day for me,” the Liverpool midfielder said.
“I would like to firstly thank my family and friends for all their support throughout my England journey.

“I would also like to thank everyone who has been part of my international career, from the England managers I have played under to the staff at the FA and, of course, all the players I have 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 captained England on 38 occasions and picked out Three Lions boss Hodgson for special praise after giving him the armband on a permanent basis.

“I would especially like to thank Roy, firstly for giving me the captaincy permanently when he took the job, making me the proudest man in the country and allowing me to fulfil my childhood dream,” Gerrard added.

“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 have 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.”

Hodgson added: “While I’m disappointed in the decision, I can entirely understand Steven’s situation and can have no complaints given the incredible service he has given to his country.

“I must respect his wishes due to the discussions we have had and the amount of thought and consideration he himself has given it.
“He is an incredible man and a fantastic footballer who we have all been blessed to see in an England shirt so often. It is never by coincidence that people reach such a staggering figure as 114 caps, it is a mark of his wonderful talent allied to a huge drive and determination to live up to the highest standard.

“He is not only a player to bring crowds to their feet with moments of brilliance; he was a tremendous captain and an exceptional role model for everyone who was fortunate to come into contact with him. We shall miss his leadership qualities as we look ahead to the qualification campaign with a youthful group of players. I wish him all the best in the future, although I know I can count on his continued support and influence as a helpful presence moving forward.”

Gerrard will continue his strong relationship with the FA, in a “high profile ambassadorial role” with the governing body, the FA said.
England failed to progress from the group stages of the World Cup in Brazil last month. – The Daily Express.