Premier League - Ferdinand drops retirement hint

Eurosport - Sun, 07 Dec 12:57:00 2008

Manchester United and England defender Rio Ferdinand has hinted he may retire from football when his contract at Old Trafford expires in 2012.

2008-2009 Rio Ferdinand - 0

Ferdinand, 30, moved to Manchester United from Leeds in 2002 and agreed an extension in May to keep him at Old Trafford for four more years.

The defender hopes to stay an integral member of Alex Ferguson's side until 2012 but accepts that it might then be time for him to retire.

He told Inside United magazine: "When I signed my extension in May I said to David Gill: 'I hope this isn't the last one.'

"But I'll be 34 when this contract runs out and, if I'm honest, I'd have to be very lucky with injuries and keep myself in tip-top shape if I want to go beyond that.

"At the moment I'm just aiming to see out this term. If I'm still playing in the first team at 34, I'll be delighted.

"Maybe then I can say I've had a good innings."

Ferdinand has already enjoyed a successful career with three Premier League titles, a UEFA Champions League winner's medal and a League Cup triumph.

However, he is hungry for more silverware and is confident of adding to his trophy haul over the next few years.

"I'm greedy. If I finish my career with what I've won now, I'll be very disappointed," he said.

TeamTalk / Eurosport

Comment 1 - 16 of 36

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  1. probably the best defender in the world, a great­ all-round defender and leader. better than terry

    From edwardolivermills, on Sun 7 Dec 7:23PM

  2. scouser

    From dustin, on Sun 7 Dec 6:10PM

  3. coming from peckham, where 80% of afrocaribean kids end­ up in prison, d boy is done great, delighted 4 his mum

    From Stephen, on Sun 7 Dec 6:09PM

  4. snort another ching line!!

    From nlwarburton, on Sun 7 Dec 6:08PM

  5. He's good. But he's not a great. Man U­ won't even think about retiring his number.

    From Boris, on Sun 7 Dec 6:08PM

  6. Knighted? Have we forgotten his ban for avoiding drug­ tests? Hardly a role model.

    From erkon9, on Sun 7 Dec 2:50PM

  7. jonny evans is making great progress so rio's­ position will be covered when he retires

    From l3ryanc, on Sun 7 Dec 2:24PM

  8. man united will get wurse woo!.

    From Nathan, on Sun 7 Dec 2:17PM

  9. He's not a great player but he's not terrible­ either. He's just a decent professional who will­ not be missed when he retires.

    From markear1, on Sun 7 Dec 2:04PM

  10. Ferdinand to be Knighted? Get Real....sure he's­ good but KNIGHTED......nah

    From Fiona B, on Sun 7 Dec 2:03PM

  11. 247 HE IS KING

    From I TYSON, on Sun 7 Dec 1:54PM

  12. one of the greats lol, at taking drugs and skipping­ drug tests maybe

    From Jamie, on Sun 7 Dec 1:52PM

  13. Truly one of the greats. He should be Knighted.

    From femi, on Sun 7 Dec 1:43PM

  14. Ferdinand the BEST, he will be missed if he goes

    From Naz, on Sun 7 Dec 1:39PM

  15. he @#$% anyway should retire now

    From skunky247, on Sun 7 Dec 1:23PM

  16. great player. will be missed when he retires, but vidic­ can fill his role when that happens.

    From aleksicn93, on Sun 7 Dec 1:16PM
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