The best English centre back this season- and last.
The former club and England skipper has quit the national side after 81 caps and almost sixteen years, the Sun notes:
Rio Ferdinand has revealed he quit England to prolong his Manchester United career.
The defender, 34, is out of contract in the summer and has yet to agree a new deal.
But last night he dropped a big hint he will be staying next season.
Ferdy, who announced his retirement yesterday after winning 81 caps, said: “Hopefully I’ve got a couple of years left. I owe it to United to do this — it’s a big decision to retire from England.
“But my body is telling me it needs to be in the right condition for my club. I want to give everything to United.”
Keeping Ferdinand for at least another season is essential for the new United manager as the defender has enjoyed a magnificent past 18 months for the Reds. Rio’s retirement from England arguably comes two years two late as the way he’s been treated since his last cap back in 2011 is something of a joke. With Moyes facing the unenviable task of following the greatest manager in British football history, it’s essential he has as many of his established, experienced players as possible, starting with Ferdinand.
Read more: http://www.thesun.co.uk/sol/homepage/sport/football/4929337/Rio-Ferdinand-I-quit-England-to-boost-Man-United-career.html#ixzz2TPWcSf24
Just a thought – it’s odd that Utd haven’t signed him up by now – just wonder if SAF has left this for Moyes to announce to start his reign with some positive news?