LONDON: England and Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand announced his retirement from international football on Wednesday.
The decision, in a statement on the United and Football Association websites, came nearly two years after Ferdinand last played for his country in a Euro 2012 qualifier against Switzerland on June 4, 2011.
The FA said the central defender, who made his England senior debut against Cameroon at Wembley in 1997 and won 81 caps, had informed England coach Roy Hodgson of his decision.
“After a great deal of thought, I have decided the time is right for me to retire from international football,” the player declared. “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.”
Ferdinand represented England at every level from the under-17s upwards, captained England and was a member of three World Cup squads.
However, manager Roy Hodgson left him out of his Euro 2012 squad for “footballing reasons” amid tensions with Chelsea defender John Terry, who was involved in a racism row with Ferdinand’s brother Anton.
Ferdinand was named in England’s squad for two World Cup qualifiers last March after Terry had announced his international retirement but withdrew to safeguard his fitness for Manchester United.
His decision to then take a long-haul flight to Qatar to work as a television pundit for al-Jazeera did not go down well with England supporters, who could be heard singing songs against the player during the 8-0 crushing of San Marino.
His club career has not been without controversy, with the defender suspended for missing a drugs test in 2003.
“I have always been very proud to play for England,” Ferdinand said.
“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.” (Reuters)