Rio Ferdinand: 'Fitness concerns reason for England retirement'

Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand has revealed that he chose to retire from international football so that he could extend his club career.

The 34-year-old announced that he would no longer be available for selection for England in May after playing 81 times for the Three Lions.

Ferdinand told The 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. I've always been a team player."

Ferdinand recently extended his stay with the Red Devils for another season.