Frank Lampard announced his retirement from international football duties on Tuesday after spending more 15 years with the England national team.

Lampard, who played a total of 106 international games with England, announced his decision in a statement where he revealed that he has been considering ending his Three Lions career since the 2014 FIFA World Cup in Brazil.

The veteran midfielder, who made his national team debut in 1999 when he was just 21 years old, said that he will always treasure his time with the England Three Lions.

"I have taken the decision to retire from international football. It has been a very tough decision for me to make which is why I have given it so much thought since the World Cup," Lampard said in a statement on Tuesday via ESPN FC. "I have always been exceptionally proud and honored to represent my country and have to say looking back I have enjoyed every minute of wearing the England shirt."

The 36-year-old, who netted a total of 29 international goals for England, said that he wants to focus on his club career, which is set to take a major u-turn later this year.

The former Chelsea star, who played in three World Cups for England, moved to the New York City FC of the Major League Soccer, but will spend a loan spell at Manchester City until the new MLS season starts in the United States.

"Due to my club career now going in a different direction it is of utmost importance for me to consider my family first," Lampard said. "Also, to concentrate on how I can perform consistently to the best of my abilities over my next few years in club football."

England failed to advance to the knockout stages of the 2014 FIFA World Cup, but Lampard is confident that Three Lions manager Roy Hodgson will lead the team to success in the near future.

"It is now the time to move forward and I feel very confident that with Roy Hodgson in charge, the young players that we have coming through, and the changes that are being made throughout the development of the youth system in this country, that we will have success in the future and a team that this country deserves," Lampard said.

Lampard's retirement came nearly two months after former England captain and longtime teammate Steven Gerrard also called it quits for the Three Lions.

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