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England Captain Steven Gerrard Retires From International Football

Published

10 years ago

July 22, 2014

Latest reports emanating from the United Kingdom, UK, suggest that England captain Steven Gerrard has retired from the international football.
According to BBC, the Liverpool captain made the disclosure on Monday, 21 July, 2014.
The 34-year-old, who captained the Three Lions at the just concluded 2014 FIFA World Cup held in Brazil, where England bowed out in the group stage, had his last appearance for England during a 0-0 draw with Costa Rica in Brazil.
Stevy G has a total of 114 appearances for the English national team. Gerrard won his first cap in a 2-0 win over Ukraine in 2000.
It was gathered that famous midfielder had “agonised” over the decision since returning from Brazil.
“This has been a very difficult decision, one of the toughest I’ve had to make in my career,” Gerrard told FA.tv.
The Liverpool midfielder continued: “I have enjoyed every minute of representing my country. It’s a sad day for me.”
He retires from international duty having scored 21 goals and played at six major tournaments.
“It was a very difficult decision to make,” said Gerrard. “It’s something I have been contemplating for a long time, not just since the end of the World Cup.
“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.”
Commenting on the news of Gerrard’s retirement, England manager Roy Hodgson said: “While I’m disappointed, I can entirely understand Steven’s situation and can have no complaints given the incredible service he has given to his country.”
Gerrard will continue his club career with Liverpool, for whom he made his debut in 1998 against Blackburn Rovers.
He has spent his entire career at Anfield, winning the Champions League, FA Cup and League Cup.
There are also speculations that Gerrard will now take on a “high profile” ambassadorial role with the Football Association in England.