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Rio outlines retirement plans

07 Dec 2008 - 12:40:48

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Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand plans to end his playing days when his current contract expires.

The 30-year-old England international's Old Trafford deal ends in June 2012 and Ferdinand believes that could be the right time to announce his retirement from the game.

He told Inside United magazine: "When I signed my extension in May I said to David Gill: 'I hope this isn't the last one.'

"But I'll be 34 when this contract runs out and, if I'm honest, I'd have to be very lucky with injuries and keep myself in tip-top shape if I want to go beyond that.

"At the moment I'm just aiming to see out this term. If I'm still playing in the first team at 34, I'll be delighted. Maybe then I can say I've had a good innings.

"I'm greedy. If I finish my career with what I've won now, I'll be very disappointed."

The former West Ham and Leeds star has made almost 300 first-team appearances for Sir Alex Ferguson's side since making his debut for the club in August 2002.