Rio Ferdinand’s England Retirement Is Disappointing End for Man Utd Defender

By
at Internationaled.org

Published: May 15, 2013

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Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand has confirmed his retirement from international football on the official club website, but the announcement comes as little surprise after his controversial withdrawal from the squad earlier this year.

The 34-year-old has called time on his England career after 81 caps for his country, citing a desire to concentrate on his club career and the influx of younger players for his decision.

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 Under-17s upwards.

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

Ferdinand had not been selected for an England squad since his last international match against Switzerland in a Euro 2012 qualifier in June 2011.

The former Leeds and West Ham central defender then, unwittingly, became embroiled in the racism row involving his brother, QPR's Anton Ferdinand, and Chelsea captain John Terry.

Ferdinand and Terry were the first-choice centre-half partnership for former England manager Fabio Capello, but new boss Roy Hodgson omitted the United man from his squad for the European Championship finals in Poland and Ukraine for "footballing reasons," as reported by the BBC. 

However, Hodgson's decision also meant there would be no possible conflict with Terry, who faced a court case over the racism allegations after the tournament according to the Daily Mail.

Then, in October, the England manager was forced to offer an apology to Ferdinand for discussing the player's inter...
Article Source: Bleacher Report - International Football

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