Lampard Announces Retirement from International Football

Frank Lampard, the former Chelsea man, has announced his retirement from international football.

The 36-year-old midfielder has 106 caps under his belt in a career spanning nearly 15 years. The ex-Chelsea man left the Blues after 13 years this summer to join the new MLS franchise New York City.

He agreed to play for a shortwhile for Manchester City before going ahead to New York City.

A statement released by his management company on his behalf says, "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."

"I have always been exceptionally proud and honoured to represent my country and have to say, looking back, I have enjoyed every minute of wearing the England shirt."

Due to my club career now going in a different direction, it is of the utmost importance for me to consider my family first and also to concentrate on how I can perform consistently to the best of my abilities over my next few years in club football," he added, reports the Guardian.

Lampard has scored 29 goals in his distinguished international career. He has been a part of the last three World Cups and was named England player of the year in 2004 and 2005. He made his debut for England in 1999. Lampard retires as England's ninth highest scorer of all-time and the fifth most-capped outfield player.

Lampard follows his fellow midfielder Steven Gerrard into retirement and England will now be forced to look for a replacement captain, which is expected to be Wayne Rooney.

Roy Hodgson, England's manager paid tribute to Lampard saying, "Frank Lampard has been a superb representative of the English game - both as a player on the pitch and an ambassador off it. To reach in excess of 100 international caps is something very few professionals achieve and he is in exalted company. He has served the national team quite brilliantly during his 15-year international career, " reports The Telegraph.

He added that Lampard's retirement did not come as a surprise as the plan was already under discussion and he had made commitments to play abroad. He said that he supported his decision and accepted it gracefully and wished him well.