England: Frank Lampard retires after winning 106 caps
Last updated on .From the section Football
Frank Lampard has announced his retirement from international football.
The midfielder, who joined Manchester City in the summer on loan from New York City, played his final England game as captain in the 0-0 draw against Costa Rica at the World Cup in June.
The former Chelsea man, 36, was capped 106 times in a career dating back to October 1999 and follows Steven Gerrard into international retirement.
"It has been a very tough decision for me to make," Lampard said.
"That is why I have given it so much thought since the World Cup.
| Frank Lampard career highlights | |
|---|---|
| Born: 20 June, 1978 | |
| Clubs: West Ham 1995-2001, Swansea (on loan) 1995-96, Chelsea 2001-2014, New York City 2014-present (currently on loan at Man City) | |
| Appearances: 844 goals: 251 | |
| Premier League titles: 2004-05, 2005-06, 2009-10 | |
| FA Cup wins: 2006-07, 2008-09, 2009-10, 2011-12 | |
| League Cup wins: 2004-05, 2006-07 | |
| Champions League win: 2011-12 | |
| Europa League win: 2012-13 | |
| England caps: 106 goals: 29 | |
"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."
Former captain Gerrard announced his retirement in July.
The new England captain is expected to be announced by Roy Hodgson at an England press conference on Thursday.
| Frank Lampard retirement reaction: | |
|---|---|
| MOTD presenter Gary Lineker on Twitter: Frank Lampard retires from international football. A fine player, an outstanding finisher and a credit to the game of football. | |
Lampard was released by Chelsea at the end of last season.
He says his decision to move to America, and the MLS, is a key factor in his decision to end his international career.
Lampard added: "Due to my club career now going in a different direction, it is of 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.
"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."
| England's most capped footballers | |
|---|---|
| 125: Peter Shilton | 107: Ashley Cole |
| 115: David Beckham | 106: Bobby Charlton, Frank Lampard |
| 114: Steven Gerrard | 105: Billy Wright |
| 108: Bobby Moore | |
Lampard played in five major tournaments and scored 29 goals and joins Sir Bobby Charlton as the sixth most-capped player in England history.
The midfielder, who began his career at West Ham, left Chelsea at the end of last season after 648 appearances and 211 goals for the Stamford Bridge club.
Hodgson paid tribute to the midfielder and said: "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.
"It is with regret that I accept and understand the decision he's made."
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Compare that to players like Rio Ferdinand who suffered regular 'Fergie' injuries whenever it suited him to pull out of squads and you cant question Lamp's commitment to England.
Thanks Frank and good luck
Good luck Frank.
P.S. Roy......This doesn't mean Cleverley should ever get near the shirt ever again!
Surely the value of an England cap has reduced over the years - friendlies with umpteen subs, quali campaigns against mainly European minnows and then failure when it comes to the crunch ?
Was he world class? No, but was he awful, no. I don't think he every thought of himself as world class either to be honest. He worked very hard for what he got, and he deserves to all the best his twilight playing days.
Solid pro cliché
Are you not getting tired of putting all this rubbish under several names, getting stats wrong on purpose, putting "you'll never walk away". Do you really know what an idiot you look?
Wasn't long ago it was the national team manager that effectively announced a players' retirement, by just not picking them to play.
These retirement announcements makes is sound as if certain players believe they have an automatic right to play, and are now not choosing to.
We need more players like him who shares his commitment and desire.
20th?
I must have missed the other 19 he lifted..
A player who maximized what ability he had and seems like a decent chap.
What's the point in writing bile about a guy like this? Seems pointless...
"Steve Gerrard has proved himself at the highest level".
That is a matter of opinion. At Liverpool maybe, but not England He seemed to get selected more for the 'big' matches but just seemed to charge around a lot and give the ball away. I don't think Lampard had chance to prove himself because of the whole Gerrard/Lampard thing.
The England side is better without them both