LONDON: Frank Lampard has retired from international football just as he starts a new chapter of his club career with Manchester City and then, in the sprint, New York City.

The 36-year-old former Chelsea and West Ham played 106 times for England over 15 years, with his last appearance seeing him captaining his country in a goalless draw against Costa Rica in Belo Horizonte at the World Cu[p finals in Brazil.

He was ninth in England’s all-time scorers list with 29 goals for his country. Ironically his most significant goal was one which did not count – the ‘phantom goal’ against Germany in the 2010 World Cup finals which forced world football into a volte-face over electronic assistance and led directly to the introduction of goal-line technology.

Lampard said: “I have taken the decision to retire from international football. 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.”

“I would like to thank all the managers that I have worked under, all the players that I have been fortunate enough to play alongside, and all the England fans for their support.

“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.”

With England launching a new era in a friendly against Norway at Wembley next Wednesday, 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 – 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, we will have success in the future and a team that this country deserves.

“I would like to thank all the managers that I have worked under, all the players that I have been fortunate enough to play alongside, and all the England fans for their support, not only at home, but particularly on their travels with the team around the world.

“I now look forward to continuing to support the team as a fan and wish them every success for the upcoming campaign towards France 2016.”

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