‘.1. Rooney Announces Shock Retirement After Controversial Comments.‘.1. Rooney Announces Shock Retirement After Controversial Comments. In a stunning turn of events, England and Manchester United legend Wayne Rooney has announced his retirement from international football with immediate effect. The decision comes just days after the 33-year-old midfielder was widely criticized for his comments about the English national team and their manager, Gareth Southgate. During an interview with The Sunday Times, Rooney accused Southgate of “picking players based on their name” and suggested that the team had “gone backwards” under his leadership. The comments drew widespread condemnation from fans, pundits, and former players, many of whom felt Rooney had crossed a line. In a statement released on Thursday afternoon, Rooney apologized for his remarks but insisted that he had made them out of a deep concern for the future of the English national team. He said that he believed his presence in the squad had become a distraction and that it was in the best interests of the team for him to step aside. “I am a passionate person and sometimes that passion can spill over into my words and actions,” Rooney said. “In the interest of the team and my country, I have decided to retire from international football.” Southgate expressed his disappointment at Rooney’s decision but said that he respected his reasons for retiring. He praised Rooney for his outstanding contributions to the England team and wished him well for the future. Rooney’s retirement marks the end of an era for England. He is the country’s all-time leading goalscorer with 53 goals in 120 appearances. He has also captained the team on over 100 occasions. Rooney’s retirement is likely to have a significant impact on the England team. He has been a key player for many years and his experience and leadership will be sorely missed. Southgate will now have to decide who will replace Rooney in the squad and will also have to find a new captain. Rooney’s retirement is also a reminder of the scrutiny and pressure that elite footballers face on a daily basis. His comments about Southgate were made in the context of an interview that was intended to be positive, but they ended up having a negative impact on his career. It is a lesson that all footballers should learn from.
