RIO: I’d never quit on Three Lions

Posted Wednesday, July 25, 2012 by The Sun

RIO: I’d never quit on Three Lions
FLASHBACK ... SunSport's back page on May 16

RIO FERDINAND wants Roy Hodgson to know he will always be available for England.

The defender, who has 81 caps, was snubbed by new boss Roy Hodgson for his Euro 2012 squad.

But Ferdinand, 33, said: “I said that if I was not playing in the summer, I did not see myself playing in the future.

“But I would never retire from international football. I will always be available but my main focus is playing for Manchester United.

“I won’t be miffed if I’m not in the England squad because I don’t see myself being part of it any more.

“It’s gone, this is a new season, that has happened.

“The Euros is finished, England played the way they did and the tournament has finished.”

Ferdinand has also revealed that he would have loved to have represented Team GB in the Olympics.

He was on Stuart Pearce’s very first list of players he was considering but did not make the final cut as one of the three over-age players.

Asked if he would have wanted to be in it, Ferdinand replied: “Yeah, of course I would. Definitely, 100 per cent.

“It’s a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity and I said that to Tom Cleverley when he was named in the squad.

“Anyone would love to be involved and you would be stupid to say no to the chance.”

While Ferdinand missed out on both competitions, he believes that could be to United’s benefit as he continues his preparations out here in Shanghai for the new season.

He added: “In past summers I always played with England so this is new for me.

“Hopefully I am refreshed and have no injuries or wear and tear. In terms of my United career it could turn out to be a blessing in disguise.”