England international and Manchester City midfielder, James Milner has confirmed his retirement from international football following a “lengthy conversation” with new England manager Sam Allardyce.
The English FA announced the development via their official Twitter account.
Manager Sam Allardyce in a statement, said that he had a “lengthy conversation” with Milner earlier in the week, which resulted to the player’s decision.
Allardyce said, “James has had the chance to reflect on his international career in recent months and consider his next steps, particularly with a young family at home and having allowed himself little free time away from the professional game in the past 15 years.”
“After we had a lengthy conversation with him earlier this week, he has decided to take a step back from international duty; a decision I fully respect.”
Millner had early this week dropped the hint on his retirement from the Three Lion.
He told national newspapers that, “Over the last couple of years with the England team I have not really played too much.”
“With the good young players we have coming through, it is pointless me taking up a spot just because I am reliable.
“I am fortunate to have been involved in international football since I was 17 or 18 without stopping.
“I was with the under-21s and went through so I have played more than 100 games.
“I’ve been to four tournaments but if a younger guy had come in and maybe done the same job at Euro 2016, he would have taken a lot more from it than I (did).”
Milner had also added that he would be glad to be able to discuss the matter with Allardyce, who coached him at Newcastle in 2007-08.
“I am happy it is Sam as I know I can have a good conversation with him and it will be honest. That is all I ever wanted,” he said.
Milner played for seven years with senior England national team and had 61 caps.
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