QPR defender Rio Ferdinand has paid tribute to Chelsea captain John Terry.

Despite the fact the former England teammates no longer talk as a result of an incident between the Blues veteran and Ferdinand's brother Anton a few years ago, praise has been directed toward the skipper of the Premier League champions-elect.

"It's no secret that me and John Terry are not the closest of mates," Ferdinand told The Sun. "But just because we no longer get on does not mean I've lost my admiration for him as a footballer.

"His performances for Chelsea this season have been nothing short of outstanding and I'm not afraid to say it. John took the decision to retire from playing for England and had his reasons, but Chelsea are reaping the benefits.

"John is finding, as I did, that the upside of being off the international scene is that your body gets the rest it needs which allows you to keep performing at top-level well into your 30s."