England captain Wayne Rooney says he will retire from global football after the 2018 World Cup in Russian Federation.
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Speaking on his retirement plans, Wayne Rooney said: “Come Russia, I feel that that would be time for me to say goodbye to worldwide football”.
There were some questions about whether new England manager Sam Allardyce would even call Rooney up, but the captain has made the team for Allardyce’s first match in charge this week.
Rooney has been England captain since 2014, and will keep the armband under new coach Sam Allardyce.
He said: “I’ve spent my whole life playing football and I think it would be a shame to walk away form it completely”.
But the Manchester United forward has confirmed the next World Cup will be his worldwide farewell, insisting his “mind is made up” that it is the right time to quit.
Rooney to quit England after 2018 World Cup was posted in Sports of TheNews International – https://www.thenews.com.pk on August 31, 2016 and was last updated on August 31, 2016.
“Wayne’s record speaks for itself, he is the most senior member of the squad and he is hugely respected by his peers. I think he’s enjoyed the responsibility”.
“For me, that’s the captain’s role”.
‘I’ve still got three years left.
But Allardyce will ultimately be judged by England’s performance in Russian Federation in two years’ time.
Allardyce suggested that, rather than seeing Rooney in competition with Harry Kane, Jamie Vardy and Daniel Sturridge for the centre-forward’s spot, he regards the United player primarily as a No. 10, playing behind the striker.
He explained: “It’s only a day we’ve been together but you can see [Sam’s] a relaxed guy”. I hopefully want to finish my career at United.
On the qualities he looks for in a captain, Allardyce said: “I like an on and off-the-field captain, if there is one”.
“Of course it will be a proud moment”, Rooney said of becoming the most-capped outfield player, taking him nine behind Peter Shilton’s overall record.
Rooneyhas backed former Bolton, West Ham and Sunderland boss Allardyce to help England achieve more at global tournaments. “Hopefully we make that selection after this (training camp) and we know the best XI to start with”.
Rooney said he was yet to discuss with Allardyce what position he would play.
He wins his 116th cap for the opening World Cup qualifier in Slovakia.
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Under new United boss Jose Mourinho this season, he has played behind the striker – which is where Allardyce has told the media Rooney will play for England.
