The Football Association said Wednesday in a statement retired from international Rio Ferdinand (81 caps, 3 goals).

Rio Ferdinand: Manchester United defender retires from England

The Manchester United defender has informed the England coach Roy Hodgson. “After a great deal of thought, I have decided the time is right to retire from international football,” he said. At 34, it’s time to make room for the young players and concentrate on my club career. “Ferdinand played his first international match in 1997 against Cameroon at Wembley and the final against Switzerland on June 4, 2011 also at Wembley (2-2).

England manager Roy Hodgson said: “To have captained his country, and to play at three World Cups, marks him out among a very special group of players.”