Former England captain Rio Ferdinand, 36, hangs up his boots

Former England captain Rio Ferdinand, at one stage the world’s most expensive defender, announced his retirement from football on Saturday. The 36-year-old former Manchester United stalwart, whose wife Rebecca Ellison died on May 1 following a battle with breast cancer, spent last season at QPR. In his prime for United Ferdinand was known as a graceful player, who guided attackers away from the danger zone, rarely making a rough challenge. His poise on the ball and efficient distribution of it made him a prize asset.

This season I really found out that it was time to hang the boots up and get back in the house and watch other people play the game.

Rio Ferdinand, speaking to BT Sport

Ferdinand joined QPR in July 2014 but well past his best he took part in just 12 games. Ferdinand and Joey Barton were among six players released by relegated Queens Park Rangers on Wednesday. Paul Scholes, former United and England teammate heaped praise on Ferdinand, saying he was “best centre-half” he’d ever played with. “I would say for a time as well he was the best centre-half in the world,“ he added.

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