Rio Ferdinand hangs his boots

Former England captain Rio Ferdinand, at one stage the world’s most expensive defender, announced his retirement from football on Saturday

London: Former England captain Rio Ferdinand, at one stage the world’s most expensive defender, announced his retirement from football on Saturday.

Rio Ferdinand

The 36-year-old former Manchester United stalwart spent last season at QPR. Speaking to BT Sport Ferdinand said: “After 18 years as a professional footballer, I now feel it’s the right time for me to retire from the game that I love,” he explained. “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.”

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.

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