Lampard calls time on his England career with 106 caps‘It has been a very tough decision,’ says Lampard

Frank Lampard has announced his retirement from international football.

The 36-year-old midfielder has called time on his England career which has spanned 15 years and earned him 106 caps.

Lampard said in a statement released by his management company: “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.”

Lampard made his 106th and final appearance for England in the goalless draw with Costa Rica at the World Cup as captain, with Roy Hodgson’s men already eliminated from the tournament in Brazil, in what was also Steven Gerrard’s last international match.

Lampard left Chelsea after 13 years at Stamford Bridge this summer, joining the new MLS franchise New York City, before agreeing a short-term deal to join the Premier League champions, Manchester City.

He added: “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.

“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.”