Steven Gerrard retires from international football – the Twitter reaction

England captain Steven Gerrard has announced his retirement from international football.

The Liverpool skipper has played for England 114 times, scoring 21 times and representing the Three Lions at six major tournaments.

But following England’s early exit from the Brazil World Cup, Gerrard tells the FA it’s time to step down from the international stage.

“This has been a very difficult decision, one of the toughest I’ve had to make in my career. 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.”

“I have enjoyed every minute of representing my country and it is a sad day for me knowing that I won’t pull on the England shirt again.

“However, I do look forward to continuing my strong relationship with The FA and helping out in any way I can going forward.

“I’d also like to thank everyone who has been part of my international career, from the England Managers I’ve played under to the staff at The FA and, of course, all the players I’ve been fortunate to play alongside.

“In particular, the supporters have been amazing, not least in Brazil when they got behind the team despite the disappointing results.

“I’d especially like to thank [England manager] Roy [Hodgson], firstly for giving me the captaincy permanently when he took the job, making me the proudest man in the country and allowing me to fulfil my childhood dream.”

The hash tag “#ThankYouSteven” is already gaining momentum on Twitter with fans eager to share their views on the news:

Many were keen to discuss the footballer as a legend:

#ThankYouSteven :’) #legend #LFC #England

— Dinesh Jeyapalan (@dinoboy_92) July 21, 2014

Fair play to Gerrard. Quality player at his best. We should remember him for his best moments… #thankyousteven https://t.co/HKpqVniYJC

— Doc MUFC (@Doc_Joshi) July 21, 2014

What a player Gerrard has been for England #ThankYouSteven

— Louis (@LouisL_89) July 21, 2014

Will never forget that screamer against Germany #ThankYouSteven pic.twitter.com/GKkZtBjhbj

— kei (@Keiren_95) July 21, 2014

#ThankYouSteven Captain Fantastic, legend!

— Raquel (@RVentollamy) July 21, 2014

He couldn’t have given more. Legend. #ThankYouSteven

— Connor Groves (@ConnorGravy) July 21, 2014

Some are even thinking about crying

I'm not an England supporter but feel like crying ..a legend is coming to the end of his era *tear* #ThankYouSteven

— Marcello B-Rabbit (@mnrbruiners_b) July 21, 2014

For some, once wasn’t enough

#ThankYouSteven #ThankYouSteven #ThankYouSteven #ThankYouSteven #ThankYouSteven #ThankYouSteven #ThankYouSteven #ThankYouSteven

— Mochamad Hilmi (@Hilmi2204) July 21, 2014

Some weren’t keen to shower the footballer with praise

#ThankYouSteven what for? All them World Cups we've won?

— Check Bio (@joecockburn_old) July 21, 2014

Well I guess you know your time is up when you create more World Cup goals for the opposition than you do your own team…. #thankyousteven

— Ben Stanfield (@BenStanners) July 21, 2014

While others are dreading the decisions to come…

Although we'll now enter a over hyped debate on who should be the England captain now which will be tedious & boring. #ThankYouSteven

— Andy (@AndyDM20) July 21, 2014

What do you think? Tweet us @RadioTimes