Rio Ferdinand

Zing!

@Joey7Barton: Decided to announce my international retirement as well. I was honoured to represent my country for such a long, illustrious time. #sadtimes
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Here is the official statement:

RIO RETIRES
MANCHESTER UNITED DEFENDER CALLS TIME ON INTERNATIONAL FOOTBALL AFTER 81 CAPS


Rio Ferdinand has announced his retirement from international football.

The Manchester United defender, who lifted the Premier League title for the sixth time on Sunday, informed Roy Hodgson of his decision, bringing an end to a glittering career with England that saw him earn 81 caps.

Ferdinand made his debut against Cameroon at Wembley in 1997, which at the time made him the youngest ever defender to play for England.

Ferdinand represented England at three World Cups, France '98, Korea/Japan '02 and Germany '06, and only injury immediately prior to the tournament prevented him from making it four in South Africa.

Ferdinand said: "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 "

England Manager Roy Hodgson said: “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.”

Managing Director of Club England Adrian Bevington said: “On behalf of The FA I’d like to thank Rio for his commitment to England. He came through the ranks from the U17s team and earned 81 senior caps for England, an amazing achievement.

"He has had a great career with the national team and was part of three World Cup squads.

"Rio has explained his decision to the England Manager Roy Hodgson and we wish him all the best for the future.”
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http://www.thefa.com/england/News/2013/rio-ferdinand-retires.aspx

and Hodgson's response:

England manager Roy Hodgson praises Rio Ferdinand after retirement

England manager Roy Hodgson heaped praise on Rio Ferdinand after the defender confirmed his retirement from international football.

The United star, 34, won 81 caps for his country having made his debut back in 1997, but was discarded by Hodgson for Euro 2012 and withdrew from the squad having finally earned a recall in March.

Hodgson, who courted controversy in October of last year when pouring cold water on Ferdinand's chances of inclusion during a discussion with passengers on a London tube train, has now championed the centre-back's achievements.

"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"
Roy Hodgson
The England boss said: "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."
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http://www1.skysports.com/football/...odgson-praises-Rio-Ferdinand-after-retirement
 
Good. That means he'll carry on for United. We need people like him in the dressing room for next season.
 
Done everyone a favour by finally retiring. One more media circus finally put to bed, although no doubt they'll find something to replace it soon enough. The whole will he be picked, will he turn up thing, it just did nobody any favours.
 
Good for him. He can focus all his time on playing for a club and fans that actually appreciate him.
 
Nogbadthebad said:
he still does a lot of charity stuff for the kids around where he grew up.
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Rio's a hero down Peckham way. Disgusting the abuse he receives from rival fans and the media whilst John fecking Terry is hero-worshipped. Sickening.

He should have told England to go feck themselves after he received that overly-harsh ban.
 
We really need him, not just for next season but for the following one too. With Scoles gone and Giggs surely retiring next summer that's 24 league titles of experience gone (at least), Rooney looks to be gone so we need to hold onto our experienced players now moreso than ever. Great news for United that he's retired from England and a clear indication IMO that he'll be with us for another few seasons.
 
The breaking news banner on Sky Sports News has "Sky Sources" saying that Rio is close to agreeing a new contract with us.

Delighted if that's the case; he'll have a huge role to play in the transition next season.
 
Antisocial said:
The breaking news banner on Sky Sports News has "Sky Sources" saying that Rio is close to agreeing a new contract with us.

Delighted if that's the case; he'll have a huge role to play in the transition next season.
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It was inevitable and it's just a matter of confirmation.
 
Happy to hear, he had a great season and looked like one of the best CBs again. I say give it one more year Rio, then hopefully end it on a high. He's been a loyal servant to United and one of my favourite characters of the team.
 
Great news, never in doubt for me. One of his best seasons in a red shirt. We'll manage his games again next season and get the most from him.
 
Brought to you by SnowRoll from the newbies.

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Signed a new one year deal.
 
David Moyes: “It is clear for everyone to see that Rio has had one of his best seasons with the club and I think even from the outside you can see what a big character Rio is around the dressing room so I am delighted he has signed a new contract and I am looking forward to working with him”

Rio Ferdinand: “I am delighted to have signed a new contract. Who wouldn’t want to play in this fantastic team in front of 75,000 fans each week, it has been an incredible journey and I am glad it will continue. I can now fully concentrate on my club career, which has worked well for me over the past few years”

“This is a great team to be part of and we are now moving into a new era with the club which is very exciting. I have met with David and I am really looking forward to working with him and winning many more trophies with this great club”.
 
Really glad he's staying and always thought he'd sign for another year. It's clear as well as still being a great player he's also a fantastic influence on the dressing room and also with new signings and the younger lads.
 
Great news. I am guilty of thinking he may have been past it a couple of years ago with all the injuries and the emergence of Jonny Evans, but this season has seen me gobble down plenty of humble pie. The guy's still got plenty to offer and had a stellar season. You just can't buy winning experience like that. I think I'd still take a fully fit Rio and Vidic partnership over any CB pair around.
 
Dr. Dwayne said:
You're just riding matth_22's coattails, Solius. Doesn't that realization make you feel pathetic?
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Yes but nobody can keep up with matth. I feel honoured to have even been close.
 
It would be mad not to offer him a new contract on the back of this season. Great to hear it's signed as well :D
 
excellent news, fully deserved after a fantastic season.
 
OnlyTwoDaSilvas said:
Great news. I am guilty of thinking he may have been past it a couple of years ago with all the injuries and the emergence of Jonny Evans, but this season has seen me gobble down plenty of humble pie. The guy's still got plenty to offer and had a stellar season. You just can't buy winning experience like that. I think I'd still take a fully fit Rio and Vidic partnership over any CB pair around.
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Don't think anyone could've predicted he'd still be at this level at this point. He's been a truly amazing defender.
 
Great news, he was immense this season, put to bed the notion that he's not still great.
 
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