Rio Ferdinand Retires: Latest Details, Comments and Reaction

Rio Ferdinand has announced his retirement from professional football live on BT Sport during the broadcaster's FA Cup final buildup coverage—as revealed via Twitter:

Ferdinand was released from relegated Queens Park Rangers at the end of the 2014/15 season following his switch from Manchester United, where he made a name for himself as one of the best defenders in the world.

Alongside Nemanja Vidic, Ferdinand formed one of the most solid centre-back pairings that the Premier League has ever seen, and he went on to win six titles at Old Trafford.

He also picked up winners’ medals in the League Cup, Champions League and Club World Cup during a hugely successful 12-year spell at the Theatre of Dreams.

Ferdinand started his career at West Ham United, then switched allegiances to Leeds United before fetching a then-British-record transfer fee of around £30 million for his services from United in 2002.

Phil Cole/Getty Images

Needless to say, Manchester United certainly got their money’s worth.

That much is a popular opinion, and as the news of Ferdinand’s retirement came in, the plaudits followed—Piers Morgan and former team-mate Michael Owen sung his praises:

Following the tragic death of his wife, Rebecca, earlier this year, Ferdinand will now enjoy precious family time.

A permanent move into coaching or television punditry seems the logical next step for Ferdinand, who can leave the game with his head held high after inspiring a generation.

English football has produced some true roses down the years, and Ferdinand is undoubtedly one of them.