Just two days before when England has to select its final eleven for coming world cup qualifiers, its legendary defender Rio Ferdinand announces his retirement from international soccer. It means he will only play for Manchester United not for England. He told about his decision on Wednesday despite knowing the coming national team’s selection where he could have been selected if rumors are to be believed. The 34-year old United’s defender has played as many as 81 matches for England, but after a controversy back in March when he was called up again after withdrawal from world cup qualifiers, it was being expected that he can take a retirement decision anytime soon. His current contract with long playing club Manchester United is also going to expire but it is not worrying him coz there is already a news from new manager’s camp that he could be offered an extension before his current term expires. After Sir Alex Ferguson, David Moyes is going to lead United and this is the best opportunity to set a tuning with new manager which could be fruitful for him if he continues playing in a good form as he has been doing until now.
Last season has been outstanding for the defender; perhaps, retiring manager Ferguson also market this season as the best one for him. In fact, how can anyone forget his last winner in the match against Swansea which confirmed United to be the title winner this year? With a growing age, it was becoming difficult for him to manage both international and club pressure; hence it was better for him to say bye to his international career and concentrate on his long running journey with United. He said during his announcement that “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 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.”
England boos Hodgson also paid a deserving tribute to him saying, “It is important to pay tribute to someone of Rio’s stature and the achievements he had in a senior international career with England over 14 years at the highest level.
“To have captained his country, to play at three World Cups and indeed score in one of those, marks him out amongst a very special group of players.
“I appreciated the call from Rio to inform me of his decision, which clearly he had spent much time considering before reaching this point.
“I wish him all the best in his club career, and I’m sure the former managers he played under and every England fan will join me in thanking him for his service.”