Rio Ferdinand retires from international soccer

Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand announced his retirement from international soccer claiming it was time for him to spend more time focusing on his "club career," CNN reported.

"At the age of 34, I feel it is right for me to stand aside and let the younger players come through, which allows me to concentrate on my club career," Ferdinand wrote in a statement released by the English Football Association.

The player's announcement came days before Roy Hodgson, the manager of the England soccer team, was due to announce his team for upcoming games against the Republic of Ireland and Brazil.

According to the Telegraph, Ferdinand was the youngest ever defender to play for England when he first started at Wembley in 1997. He went on to win 81 caps for England and represented the country in three World Cups.