Rio Ferdinand announces retirement from professional football

Former England captain Rio Ferdinand has announced his retirement from football.

The former West Ham, Leeds and Manchester United central defender spent last season at QPR, who were relegated from the Premier League. Ferdinand, 36, told BT Sport he had decided to bring an end to his career.

The confirmation came after a season in which Ferdinand struggled to hold down a regular place in the QPR side.

Ferdinand was absent for the closing stages of the campaign. His wife, Rebecca Ellison, died after a battle with cancer on 1 May.