Wayne Rooney has announced his retirement from international soccer. Rooney rejected a call-up for next month's matches against Malta and Slovakia.

“It was great that Gareth Southgate called me this week to tell me he wanted me back in the England squad for the upcoming matches. I really appreciated that. However, having already thought long and hard, I told Gareth that I had now decided to retire for good from international football.”

Rooney scored 53 goals in 119 appearances for England.

Rooney left Manchester United for Everton this summer.