Frank Lampard has announced his retirement from international football after representing England on 106 occasions.
Lampard, 36, left Chelsea for New York City in the summer before being loaned to Premier League champions Manchester City.
He has now called time on representing Three Lions, having featured
for his country over a period of 15 years, with his last appearance
coming at the 2014 World Cup in Brazil where he skippered his nation in a
0-0 draw with Costa Rica.
Lampard made his England debut in 1999 at the age of 21, but it was
not until Euro 2004 that he played in a major championships. Since then
he has appeared at most major tournament England have qualified for,
including three World Cups -- but he missed Euro 2012 through injury.
He is the joint sixth most-capped player in England history, level
with Bobby Charlton, while his 29 international goals puts him joint
ninth on the country's list of top goalscorers.
The Londoner's decision comes little more than a month after
long-time central midfield partner and England captain Steven Gerrard
ended his England career, marking the end of an era for the national
team.
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.
"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
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, that we will have success in the
future and a team that this country deserves.
"I would like to thank all the managers that I have worked under, all
the players that I have been fortunate enough to play alongside, and
all the England fans for their support, not only at home but
particularly on their travels with the team around the world.
"I now look forward to continuing to support the team as a fan and
wish them every success for the upcoming campaign towards France 2016."
England manager Hodgson said he had held talks with Lampard during the World Cup and has accepted his decision.
He told the official FA website:
"I've been aware since discussions in Brazil that Frank was considering
his England future. I spoke to him since his loan to Manchester City
about the possibility of him retiring, primarily due to the fact that
he's taken on new commitments both here and abroad.
"I know it's not a decision he's taken lightly and, as with Steven
Gerrard's decision, I promised Frank that I would accept his choice with
good grace and not try to change his mind."
He said Lampard had been a "superb representative of the English
game" and "served the national team quite brilliantly during his 15-year
international career."
He added: "It is with regret that I accept and understand the
decision he's made. I wish him the best of luck with Manchester City and
New York City and I'd like to thank him for all the help he's provided
for me during my time as England manager."
