Rio Ferdinand announces retirement from professional football

The defender was released by QPR after the club suffered relegation at the end of the season.

Ferdinand, a former England captain, has now confirmed that his professional career in the game is at an end.

The 36-year-old told BT Sport he had decided to bring an end to his illustrious career live on air.

Former England team-mate Michael Owen was among those who moved quickly to pay tribute to the defender.

The announcement from Ferdinand 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 May 1.

He said at the time in a statement that his “wonderful wife” passed away peacefully at the Royal Marsden Hospital in London.

"My soul-mate slipped away,” Ferdinand said. “She was a fantastic, loving mother to our three beautiful children.

"She will be missed as a wife, sister, aunt, daughter and granddaughter. She will live on in our memory, as a guide and inspiration.

"Myself, my parents Janice and Julian, along with Rebecca's parents Lesley and Stephen, would like to thank our families, friends and my club colleagues who have rallied around in these desperate days, weeks and months.

"I would also like to express my gratitude for the dedication and expertise of the staff led by Professors Johnstone and Clarke at the Royal Marsden. Their valiant efforts to prolong Rebecca's all-too-short life will not be forgotten.

"Our grief, as a family, is total. We would appreciate being allowed to mourn privately."