Thaindian News

London, June 9 (IANS) Manchester United centre-back Rio Ferdinand admitted Saturday that his England career was over after the 33-year-old was left out by manager Roy Hodgson from the Euro 2012 squad.

Ferdinand was not called up to the team even with injuries ravaging the English football team. Chelsea defender Gary Cahill was ruled out of the European Championship after breaking his jaw while his club captain John Terry is still fighting to overcome a hamstring injury.

“You would have to say it might be over with England for me,” Ferdinand said. “If I’m not getting picked now, especially when people are out injured, then it’s unlikely I will be picked again,” Ferdinand was quoted as saying by the Sun.

The tall central defender has 81 international caps but feels he would fall short of the 100 mark.

“I always said I wouldn’t retire from international football until I stopped playing and I won’t. I will still be available and I’ll be watching England and cheering them on because it’s my country and I want us to do well.”

“I really hoped I would get 100 caps, but for various reasons it hasn’t happened. It is a disappointment,” said a disappointed Ferdinand.

“I won’t discuss what Mr Hodgson has said to me but he knows I wanted to be in the squad.”

But just because I am not there, don’t think I want them to fail. I am not bitter. I know how much the boys want to succeed.”

Ferdinand has played just once for England in the past two years due to injury but featured in 30 of United’s 38 Premier League games last season.

“I might have had a few injury problems in the past but I was in good shape,” he added.