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.
