United Defender Rio Ferdinand Announces Retirement From International Football

Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand has announced his retirement from international football, as confirmed by the FA.com.

Ferdinand has appeared at three World Cup’s for England – France ’98, Korea/Japan ’02 and Germany ’06 – and it would have been a fourth in South Africa in ’10 had it not been for an untimely injury just before the start of the tournament.

The United stopper became the youngster ever defender to represent his country at the time when he made his debut back in 1997, and he’s gone on to earn 81 caps for his country, scoring 3 goals, and has rightly forged a reputation as one of England’s greatest ever centre-backs.

However, after seemingly falling out-of-favour under new boss Roy Hodgson, Ferdinand has announced his decision to retire from international duty with immediate effect. He told the FA’s website:

“After a great deal of thought, I have decided the time is right for me to retire from international football.

“At the age of 34, I feel it is right for me to stand aside and let the younger players come through, which allows me to concentrate on my club career.

“The team looks in great shape and there is an influx of young, talented players coming through the ranks which bodes well for the future.

“I regard it as a great honour and a privilege to have represented my country at every level from U17s upwards.

“I have always been very proud to play for England. I would like to wish Roy and the team all the best for future tournaments.

“A big thank you to all the fans, managers, coaching staff and players that I have worked alongside – the journey has been incredible “

Ferdinand lifted the Premier League title for the sixth time on Sunday and was recently named in the PFA Team of the Year, so despite not featuring in recent international’s, the United man is certainly not over the hill and many believe he should still have been a regular in the England side before he announced his retirement.

What do you think? Will England miss Ferdinand? Should he have been playing more under Hodgson? Get involved in the comments section below.