Rio Ferdinand officially retires from international football.

Manchester United's central defender Rio Ferdinand has officially retired from international football. Rio's announcement was posted on the official websites of the English Football Association and Manchester United today (May 15th).

Rio Ferdinand officially retires from the England national team - Photo Getty

Thus, the match against Switzerland in the EURO 2012 qualifiers on June 6, 2011, was also Rio's last appearance for the England national team. In total, the Manchester United center-back made 81 appearances for the Three Lions since his debut in a friendly against Cameroon at Wembley in 1997.

"After much thought, I've decided that this is the right time for me to retire from international football. At 34, I feel it's time for me to step aside and give younger players a chance to develop, while also allowing me to focus on my club," Rio stated.

Ferdinand played for England at every level, from U17 to the honor of captaining the Three Lions, and participated in three World Cups. However, at EURO 2012 last summer, Rio was dropped from the squad by Roy Hodgson for "football reasons" amidst a conflict between the Manchester United defender and John Terry.

Ferdinand was named in the England squad for the two 2014 World Cup qualifying matches last March after Terry retired from the Three Lions, but the Manchester United defender ultimately withdrew to ensure he was fit enough to play for Manchester United.

Despite not playing for England at the time due to fitness issues, Rio flew to Qatar to work as a football commentator, much to the anger of England fans. They even booed Rio during England's 8-0 victory over San Marino.

According to Thethaovanhoa - DT