England coach Roy Hodgson has paid tribute to Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand.

Ferdinand announced his international retirement this morning.

As a result, Ferdinand will never play under Hodgson, who paid nevertheless spoke warmly of the veteran centre-back.

He said: "It is important to pay tribute to someone of Rio's stature and the achievements he had in a senior international career with England over 14 years at the highest level.

"To have captained his country, to play at three World Cups and indeed score in one of those, marks him out amongst a very special group of players.

"I appreciated the call from Rio to inform me of his decision, which clearly he had spent much time considering before reaching this point.

"I wish him all the best in his club career, and I'm sure the former managers he played under and every England fan will join me in thanking him for his service."