' Wales striker retires from international football '

Wednesday 25th March 2015

Wales striker Robert Earnshaw retires from international football

Wales striker Robert Earnshaw has announced his retirement from international football.

The 33-year-old forward won 58 caps and scored 16 goals for Wales, including the winner on his debut in a 1-0 against Germany in 2002.

Earnshaw, who has just signed a one-year deal for Canadian side Vancouver Whitecaps who play in the MLS.

His last cap was as an 88th minute substitute in the 2-0 defeat against Bosnia and Hercegovina in August 2012.
"I feel it's time and the right time," said Earnshaw.

The former Cardiff City and West Brom attacker has scored hat-tricks at international level, all four tiers of English football and in the FA and League Cups.

Earnshaw is Wales' sixth all time top-scorer, equal with Mark Hughes and Cliff Jones.

Hughes gave Earnshaw his debut for Wales and it is a day the striker says he will never forget.

"The one highlight that always jumps out for me is scoring the winner against Germany on my debut, that was amazing," said Earnshaw.

"That was when I first got the taste of playing in that shirt."

Legend ...

Legend ...

Earnie, is one of my all time greatest City strikers

I thinks he is one of the only ever strikers to score in all Divisions?

I use to love Earnies celebrations as well

I'd like to take this opportunity to announce that I will also no longer be available for the National team

Legend, best days for me they were when earnie was banging them in left right and centre. Start of every game 'earnies guna get ya earnies guna get ya'

legendary striker of CCFC

Legend ...

Earnie, is one of my all time greatest City strikers

I thinks he is one of the only ever strikers to score in all Divisions?

I use to love Earnies celebrations as well

Thought it was a hat trick Prem,Ist 2nd 3rd FA Cup, League cup and as a international,believe he is the only player to do this

Legend ...

Earnie, is one of my all time greatest City strikers

I thinks he is one of the only ever strikers to score in all Divisions?

I use to love Earnies celebrations as well

Thought it was a hat trick Prem,Ist 2nd 3rd FA Cup, League cup and as a international,believe he is the only player to do this

and in Scotland

In my eyes Earnie is a City and Wales legend. And he as a person is top dollar. But he hasn't played for Wales for some time now or has he been in the frame. So to announce his retirement from international football is a strange one. He wasn't getting picked anyway.

Legend ...

Earnie, is one of my all time greatest City strikers

I thinks he is one of the only ever strikers to score in all Divisions?

I use to love Earnies celebrations as well

Thought it was a hat trick Prem,Ist 2nd 3rd FA Cup, League cup and as a international,believe he is the only player to do this

Yes your right

In my eyes Earnie is a City and Wales legend. And he as a person is top dollar. But he hasn't played for Wales for some time now or has he been in the frame. So to announce his retirement from international football is a strange one. He wasn't getting picked anyway.

Don't see how it's strange. He's just making it official.

Absolute legend. Will always love earnie.

Growing up Earnshaw was always a City idol of mine. I have fond memories of his performances for Cardiff and Wales. I was fortunate enough to meet him a few times because we go to the same barbers and he was always friendly when I met him. Not a bad career for someone that didn't start playing football until quite late in their life.

Growing up Earnshaw was always a City idol of mine. I have fond memories of his performances for Cardiff and Wales. I was fortunate enough to meet him a few times because we go to the same barbers and he was always friendly when I met him. Not a bad career for someone that didn't start playing football until quite late in their life.

I was always a fan of Earnie except for the haircut of course.

Absolute City legend and I'm glad I got to see him score and celebrate in his trademark fashion during his second spell at the club.

From what I understand, he announced his retirement as part of his deal with Vancouver. Shame really, as Wales only seem to have two recognised strikers in Church and Vokes. Earnie could still do a job as a squad player.