Former Manchester United and England defender Rio Ferdinand says he is "disappointed" after being refused a professional boxing licence.

The 39-year-old, who retired from football in 2015, launched his new career in September.

The British Boxing Board of Control (BBBofC) said they would not be reviewing his application, Ferdinand said.

"It is with a heavy heart that I am hanging up my gloves," he said.

In his statement, published on Facebook, Ferdinand added: "To not be given the chance to demonstrate my ability to the BBBofC through the standard assessment afforded to others is hard to take."