Kyle Walker declares worldwide retirement simply months forward of World Cup
Kyle Walker has announced his retirement from international football after earning 96 caps and representing England at multiple major tournaments
Kyle Walker was a key part of the England side(Image: PAUL ELLIS/AFP via Getty Images)
Kyle Walker has confirmed his retirement from international football. Walker accumulated 96 caps for England and featured for his nation at numerous major tournaments.
Following his senior England debut in November 2011, the 35 year old subsequently represented the national team under four different managers, featuring for Fabio Capello, Roy Hodgson, Gareth Southgate and Thomas Tuchel.
The full-back established himself as a crucial component of England’s defence during the most triumphant sustained spell for the national side in decades. Walker said: “Playing for England has always been the greatest honour of my career.
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“Every time I pulled on the shirt, it meant a huge amount to me and my family. After a lot of thought this feels like the right moment to step away and allow the next generation of players to come through.
“I leave incredibly proud of the journey and grateful to every manager, teammate, person behind the scenes and supporter who has been part of it,” reports the Mirror.
“The England fans are some of the most special out there, the roar of the 12th man kept us fighting and I now join them in wishing the lads luck as they enter the World Cup.”
Looking back on his international journey, Walker added: “Representing your country is the biggest thing you can do in football. Those memories with England will stay with me forever.”
Whilst Three Lions boss Tuchel said in a tribute: “I know all England fans will join me in congratulating Kyle on an incredible international career.
“Although I only worked with him for a short period of time, I was always aware that he was one of England’s greats who fully embraced the highest honour of representing his country.
“An international career spanning 14 years and five major tournaments is testament to Kyle’s dedication. He can look back on his time with the Three Lions with great pride.”
Paying tribute to her husband, Walker’s wife Annie Kilner said: “Kyle has always taken enormous pride in playing for England. It has meant a huge amount to him and to our whole family.
“International football requires incredible commitment over many years and we are all very proud of everything he has achieved in an England shirt.”
Alongside his international career, Walker has savoured one of the most trophy-laden club careers of any English defender in recent memory, securing multiple Premier League titles, the UEFA Champions League and countless domestic honours.
Walker will now concentrate on the next phase of his playing career at Burnley as the club fights to avoid relegation to the Sky Bet Championship.
