Liverpool FC News: Reds Skipper Retires from International Football to Focus on Club Duties

Liverpool skipper Steven Gerrard has officially declared that he will no longer represent England, as he shifts his focus to serving his club.

"This has been a very difficult decision, one of the toughest I've had to make in my career," said the 34-year-old.

"I have agonised over this since coming back from Brazil and have spoken to family, friends and people close to me in the game before coming to this point."

"Most importantly, Brendan [Rodgers, Liverpool manager] has been fantastic and obviously I have to look after my body as much as possible to ensure I can give everything when I take to the field."

"To ensure I can keep playing to a high level and giving everything to Liverpool Football Club I believe this is the right decision, and having Champions League football back at Anfield is another big factor in my decision."

Gerrard came through the youth ranks at Liverpool and has been with the senior side since 1998, intending to give all of what's left of him to the institution that's closest to his heart.

Meanwhile, he has been with the Three Lions since 2000, captaining them 38 times in 114 caps.

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