Wayne Rooney’s England critics were labelled “buffoons...who should stick to playing FIFA” after he called time on his international career.

The England captain announced yesterday that he was quitting international football after turning down the chance of a recall for next month’s World Cup qualifiers.

The nation’s record goal scorer got the call from Gareth Southgate to be part of his squad next week to face Malta and Slovakia.

But after he declined the opportunity, former England skipper and striker Gary Lineker rounded on people who think Rooney has failed to perform well enough in a Three Lions shirt.

Lineker tweeted: “England’s highest ever goalscorer calls it a day. Congratulations to @WayneRooney on a magnificent international career. A player’s player.

England's Wayne Rooney in action with Scotland's Ikechi Anya (
Image:
Action Images via Reuters)

“So many buffoons denouncing @WayneRooney’s international career. You have no idea how good he is or how hard it is. Stick to playing FIFA.”

Rooney, 31, who scored 53 goals in 119 caps, issued an emotional statement insisting he wants to concentrate on his return to his boyhood club Everton after leaving Manchester United over the summer.

Rooney said: “It was great that Gareth Southgate called me this week to tell me he wanted me back in the England squad for the upcoming matches. I really appreciated that.

Wayne Rooney and Francis Jeffers make their debuts against Australia (
Image:
Getty)

“However, having already thought long and hard, I told Gareth that I had now decided to retire for good from international football.

“It is a really tough decision and one I have discussed with my family, my manager at Everton and those closest to me.

“Playing for England has always been special to me. Every time I was selected as a player or captain was a real privilege and I thank everyone who helped me.

“But I believe now is the time to bow out.

Lineker with Wayne, his wife Colleen and their children in 2015 (
Image:
PA)

“Leaving Manchester United was a tough call but I know I made the right decision in coming home to Everton. Now I want to focus all my energies on helping them be successful.

“I will always remain a passionate England fan.

“One of my very few regrets is not to have been part of a successful England tournament side.

“Hopefully the exciting players Gareth is bringing through can take that ambition further and I hope everyone will get behind the team.

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Image:
AFP/Getty)

“One day the dream will come true and I look forward to being there as a fan - or in any capacity.”

His decision will now hasten Southgate’s plans of installing Harry Kane as permanent captain after giving him the armband for the last two games with Scotland and France.