Frank Lampard announced his retirement from the English national team on Tuesday, capping an illustrious international career that spanned 106 appearances and five major tournaments over a decade and a half of sterling service to his country.
The New York City FC Designated Player, who is currently on loan to Manchester City ahead of NYCFC's 2015 MLS debut, signaled his intention to focus on the “different direction” of the new chapter in his career.
“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,” Lampard said in a statement. “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.”
The longtime Chelsea FC star steps away from the Three Lions with 29 goals to his credit and is tied with legend Bobby Charlton for the sixth-most appearances in England history.
His final match in his country's colors was the 0-0 draw with Costa Rica that concluded England's 2014 World Cup campaign in Brazil.
“It is now the time to move forward,” Lampard said, “and I feel very confident that, with [manager] 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, we will have success in the future and a team that this country deserves.”
