Ferdinand put career before country

Rio Ferdinand has revealed he put career before country when he decided not to play for England again. The 34-year-old Manchester United defender could have answered England manager Roy Hodgson’s call but instead chose to extend his playing...

Rio Ferdinand has revealed he put career before country when he decided not to play for England again. The 34-year-old Manchester United defender could have answered England manager Roy Hodgson’s call but instead chose to extend his playing career.

Ferdinand told the Sunday Sun: “Basically, I could play for another three or four years – or play two or three games for England and be finished in a year. It wasn’t a contest.

“I couldn’t sacrifice my fitness for the sake of a few more England caps.

“It would not have been fair on United, it would have been a disservice to the club and to England.”

Ferdinand also revealed he considered quitting the game when Sir Alex Ferguson announced his retirement. He said: “Sir Alex leaving did make me think: Is it time for me to go too?”

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