Wayne Rooney retires from international duty

Here at tBB, we like to keep track of United’s former playing staff. Some go on to great things after they leave Old Trafford, others vanish without a trace. And some, like Wayne Rooney, start to take stock of their creaking knees and decide that enough’s enough.

So, no more England games for Rooney. According to a statement on his website, Gareth Southgate asked United’s former captain to return to the squad for the upcoming internationals, but Rooney has decided that:

I want to focus all my energies on helping [Everton] be successful.

So that leaves England’s record goalscorer with a final tally of 53 goals from 119 games, which is pretty decent going however you slice it. And if his newfound focus includes more goals against Manchester City, then tBB wishes him all the best ...

... though we can’t help but wonder if there might be something symbolic at work here. Striding into the England dressing room as Manchester United captain? The business. Ambling in as one of Everton’s attacking options? Just doesn’t have the same ooooomph.