ENGLAND MIDFIELDER FRANK Lampard has announced his retirement from international football after a career spanning 15 years.
The 36-year-old’s 106th and final cap for his country came on 23 June when he captained England in their final World Cup game against Costa Rica.
Lampard said in a statement released by his management company: “I have taken the decision to retire from international football.
“It has been a very tough decision for me to make which is why I have given it so much thought since the World Cup.”
His haul of international caps puts him sixth in the all-time England list behind Peter Shilton, David Beckham, Steven Gerrard, who announced his England retirement last month, Bobby Moore and Ashley Cole.
Chelsea’s all-time top goalscorer left the Premier League club after 13 years last month, signing for Major League Soccer 2015 expansion side New York City FC.
He agreed a loan move with Manchester City on 2 August until the new MLS season.
In his statement Lampard said he had been “proud and honoured” and enjoyed “every minute” of wearing an England shirt.
He added: “Due to my club career now going in a different direction it is of utmost importance for me to consider my family first.
“Also, to concentrate on how I can perform consistently to the best of my abilities over my next few years in club football.
“It is now the time to move forward and I feel very confident that, with Roy Hodgson in charge, the young players that we have coming through and the changes that are being made throughout the development of the youth system in this country, we will have success in the future and a team that this country deserves.”
