Rio Ferdinand says he owes his career to former Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson.

Ferdinand announced his retirement yesterday.

Ferdinand, 36, thanked his former managers, team-mates and supporters but reserved special praise for Ferguson, his boss during a trophy-laden 12-year spell at United.

He said: "Nothing would have been possible without the genius of one man - Sir Alex. He developed us as men, not just footballers."

Ferdinand said it was the "right time" to retire in a statement issued on Saturday.