Man Utd defender Ferdinand rules out taking England captaincy

Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand has ruled himself out of the running for the England captaincy.

In an interview to be screened on BBC's Football Focus today, the Manchester United defender is asked if he wanted the job back.

He replies: "Honestly, no. I've been England captain before for a brief period. It was taken away from me so I'm just going to concen-trate on playing for Manchester United."

Ferdinand does, however, want to be involved at Euro 2012 — especially as he has never played in the tournament.

Kevin Keegan left out the centre-back in 2000 and Ferdinand was suspended in 2004 over a missed drugs test. England failed to qualify four years later.

Ferdinand added: "Playing for your country is a great achievement and I always feel privileged to be selected. So if that comes up again I'd meet up happily and give my 100 per cent focus as usual."

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