Eoin Morgan is "the best leader I have seen", says Rob Key

The 35-year-old confirmed his decision to retire from international cricket at a Lord's press conference on Tuesday and, in a statement, managing director of England men's cricket Key paid tribute to his contribution to the English game

Rob Key has described Eoin Morgan as "the best leader I have seen" after England's white-ball captain called time on his international career.

Morgan has opted to step down as captain, handing the reins over to Jos Buttler, after a remarkable seven years in the role, during which England rose from the pits of miserable 2015 World Cup early elimination to become 50-over champions in 2019, and trend-setters for attacking, fearless cricket.

The 35-year-old confirmed his decision at a Lord's press conference on Tuesday and, in a statement, managing director of England men's cricket Key paid tribute to his contribution to the English game.

^{Rob Key has paid tribute to Eoin Morgan [Getty Images]}

"It will be wrong to think Eoin's legacy was just winning the World Cup in 2019; it is far greater than that," Key said.

"As with all great players and leaders, he has changed the way the game has been played, and he has changed the way an entire generation and generations to come will play this form of the game. His legacy within the game will be felt for many years to come.

"He is, without question, the best leader I have seen. I wish him well in the next chapter of his career."

The tributes to Morgan came in from around the cricketing world following confirmation of his retirement. 

"He's a top, top player, and people forget that," Moeen Ali told BBC Sport. "He's a brilliant captain, brilliant bloke but he's also a brilliant batsman and scored runs in both white-ball forms.

"It's really sad [that he is retiring] but he's had a brilliant career."

Morgan's former Ireland teammate Niall O'Brien posted on social media: "What a career you have had. Changed the way people think and play the game not just in England but globally. Wishing you well in your next chapter."

^{Morgan has retired from international cricket [Getty Images]}

In a statement, the PCA chairman James Harris - a former teammate of Morgan at Middlesex, said: "The legacy that he leaves behind from his time playing the international game is immense and he deserves a huge amount of gratitude on how far he has moved the needle for cricket in this country.

"As a player he was ahead of his time, always attacking with the ability to hit the ball anywhere on the ground, and as a captain, he has transformed our international white-ball cricket in this country due to his vision that he had and was able to instil in the game."

Cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar also sent a message, tweeting: £You gave cricket fans several moments to cherish. May your second innings be as successful as the first."