England captain Rio Ferdinand insists he could never turn his back on his country and retire from international football.
While some players have opted to withdraw from England selection of late, the Manchester United defender is having no such thoughts.
The 31-year-old has made only one Premier League start this term and he mustered just 12 league starts in the whole of the 2009/10 campaign.
Despite Ferdinand's two-year injury nightmare the former Leeds and West Ham stopper is resisting the urge to simply focus on his club career.
Ferdinand has been confirmed as England captain and he is set to partner Joleon Lescott at the heart of England's defence for their Euro 2012 qualifier against Montenegro on Tuesday evening.
"You can't retire from England. I can't," said Ferdinand. "I respect other people's decisions but I love playing for England.
"To stop doing it would take a big chunk out of my footballing life.
"Unless I am physically incapable of doing it, it is something I would not consider."
