The Everton striker, 31, was asked by national coach Gareth Southgate to be involved in the games against Malta and Slovakia.

“Every time I was selected was a real privilege but I believe now is the time to bow out,” Rooney said.
Rooney scored 53 times in 119 games.

Rooney’s statement in full
It was great 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.

It is a really tough decision and one I have discussed with my family, my manager at Everton and those closest to me.

Playing for England has always been special to me. Every time I was selected as a player or captain was a real privilege and I thank everyone who helped me. But I believe now is the time to bow out.

Leaving Manchester United was a tough call but I know I made the right decision in coming home to Everton. Now I want to focus all my energies on helping them be successful.

I will always remain a passionate England fan. One of my very few regrets is not to have been part of a successful England tournament side. Hopefully the exciting players Gareth is bringing through can take that ambition further and I hope everyone will get behind the team.

One day the dream will come true and I look forward to being there as a fan – or in any capacity.

Source: BBC

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The 31-year-old England striker has signed a two-year deal to return to his boyhood club, for whom he made his debut as a 16-year-old and burst onto the Premier League scene.

Rooney said: “It is some time since I said that the only Premier League club I would play for other than Manchester United was Everton, so I am delighted that the move has happened.

#FarewellToALegend@WayneRooney is leaving #MUFC to return to Everton: https://t.co/QQrxKB2wo4

Thank you, Wayne, from all of us. pic.twitter.com/34NErAvscX

— Manchester United (@ManUtd) July 9, 2017

“Thirteen years ago I went to United with the intention of winning trophies and I have been fortunate to be a part of one of the most successful periods in the club’s history.

“I have come back to Everton because I believe Ronald Koeman is building a team that can win something and I look forward to playing my part in making that a reality for the club I have supported since a boy.”

Rooney is close with Duncan Ferguson (Pic from Twitter: @Everton)

Everton manager Ronald Koeman said: “Wayne has shown me that ambition that we need and that winning mentality – he knows how to win titles and I’m really happy he’s decided to come home.

“He loves Everton and he was desperate to come back. He is still only 31 and I don’t have any doubts about his qualities. It’s fantastic he’s here.”

Rooney donned an Everton shirt in Duncan Ferguson’s testimonial in 2015

Rooney switches back to Merseyside as part of a deal that will see United sign striker Romelu Lukaku for up to £90m.

After an illustrious time under Sir Alex Ferguson in which he won five Premier League titles and the Champions League, he struggled to nail down a place in Jose Mourinho’s first-team last season after a difficult previous campaign under Louis van Gaal.

He picked up a Europa League winners medal last season and also won the FA Cup under Van Gaal, and leaves Old Trafford having scored 251 goals in over 500 games.

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Source: Sky Sports

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BBC Sport understands there is “quiet optimism” that a deal is close and that Rooney, 31, wants to return to Goodison – 13 years after he left for United – despite interest from other clubs.

United will waive a fee and may also fund part of Rooney’s £13m wages.

He is unlikely to be part of the United party who leave for their pre-season tour of the United States on Sunday.

The deal is not connected to United’s ongoing pursuit of Everton forward Romelu Lukaku.

Rooney signed a new four-and-a-half-year contract during the 2013-14 campaign, which included the option of a further season, but the Old Trafford club have no intention of triggering that clause.

The future of the the former England captain, who started 15 Premier League games last season, has been the subject of speculation for several months.

Asked in May whether he wanted to stay at Old Trafford, he said: “Of course. I’ve been at this club for 13 years, but I want to play football.”

Rooney began his career at Goodison Park before joining United for £27m in August 2004.

Meanwhile, United have appointed former Sunderland manager Ricky Sbragia as their new Under-23 manager.

Sbragia, who left the Scottish FA last month, spent three years in charge of the reserves at United from 2002.

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Source: BBC Sport

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A statement issued on behalf of Rooney, 31, called the images “inappropriate”.

The Sun has published the images, which it says shows Rooney at a party late on Saturday night – a day after England’s World Cup qualifying win over Scotland.

The FA, meanwhile, says it will review its policies around players’ free time.

“Naturally Wayne is sorry that pictures taken with fans have been published,” the statement from Rooney’s management read.

“Although it was a day off for the whole squad and staff, he fully recognises that the images are inappropriate for someone in his position.

“Earlier today Wayne spoke privately to both Gareth Southgate and [FA technical director] Dan Ashworth to unreservedly apologise.

“He would like to further extend that apology to any young fans who have seen these pictures.”

Rooney missed Tuesday’s 2-2 friendly draw with Spain with a minor knee injury.

Rooney’s apology came as the FA issued a statement saying “England personnel have a responsibility to behave appropriately at all times”.

The governing body added: “We will be reviewing our policy around free time while on international duty.”
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Source: BBC

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