Report: Rio Ferdinand to announce retirement

Rio Ferdinand will reportedly announce his retirement from football this week after being omitted from Manchester United's trip to Dubai.

United are scheduled to fly out to the Middle-East for a warm-weather training camp after Wednesday's meeting with Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium.

However, the veteran defender is believed to be excluded from the five-day trip and, according to The Sun, the 35-year-old will call time on his playing career, with a statement on the omission expected to be made on Thursday.

Ferdinand, whose existing deal at Old Trafford expires this summer, is expected to follow his former teammate Gary Neville into a media career upon hanging up his boots.

The former England international has made 455 appearances for the Red Devils since sealing a £29.1m move from Leeds United in 2002 - a then-club record.