Rio won’t feature in Rio after calling time on England career

Rio Ferdinand has announced his retirement from international football just months after declining the opportunity to represent his country.

By Declan Whooley

The 81 times capped defender, who has said he is seeking new contract with Man Utd, has called time on what has been a controversial end to his time as an international footballer.

Ferdinand became the youngest ever defender to win a senior cap when he featured against Cameroon in 1997 and played in three World Cups before injury prevented him from playing in South Africa in 2010.

“After a great deal of thought, I have decided the time is right for me to retire from international football,” he said in a statement released by the FA.

“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.”

“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,” he added.

Ferdinand controversially pulled out of World Cup qualifying matches against San Marino and Montenegro in March over fitness concerns, but Roy Hodgson was believed to have been considering recalling the in-form defender to the fold.

That decision has now been taken out of his hands as the former West Ham and Leeds man concentrates solely on his club career.