‘Who’s Tony Adams?’ – Lampard’s bizarre reason for retiring

Chelsea legend Frank Lampard has revealed why he quit international football – and it has nothing to do with his declining form or the emergency of younger players eyeing his midfield role.

Instead, the player who is currently on loan at Manchester City from New York FC, blames Manchester United defender Luke Shaw for his international retirement after a conversation between the pair exposed that the England youngster did not know who Tony Adams was.

“I was having a chat with Luke Shaw and I mentioned Tony Adams and he didn’t seem to know who I was talking about.

“I said: “Are you winding me up?” And he said: “Who did he play for?” I knew then then it was time to retire.”

Adams captained Arsenal to four league titles during a two-decade spell in north London and capped 66 times by England but he retired from international football when Shaw was only five.

Lampard hung up his national team boots after the conclusion of England’s failed World Cup campaign in Brazil.