Rio Ferdinand: I would love an England recall

4 Feb 2013 11:00:00

The Manchester United defender has not appeared for the Three Lions since June 2011, but has maintained he would still jump at the chance to represent his country

Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand has admitted he would "love" a recall to the England squad and would not think twice about joining up with the national team.

The centre-back has not appeared for the Three Lions since a World Cup qualifier against Switzerland in June 2011 and was also left out of Roy Hodgson's Euro 2012 squad for "footballing reasons".

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His absence was reportedly made to avoid a possible conflict with Chelsea defender John Terry, who was included in the squad despite awaiting trial over allegations he racially abused Ferdinand's brother Anton.

Although the Red Devils player has not been selected for any England squad since, the commanding defender has not given up hope completely on a return.

"I'm no different to anyone else - I love playing for England," Ferdinand said in the latest edition of #5 magazine. "If I'm not then I'll keep doing what I'm doing for Manchester United.

"It is what it is. I'm not being picked. The manager hasn't picked me. If I got picked I'd pack my bags and go straight there."

Ferdinand also spoke of the moment he realised his life and career should not revolve around money, when he was told his new car was worth more than the flat owned by his father.

The defender, who was capped 81 times for England, had words of warning for younger players, urging them not to become "sidetracked" by huge salaries and to concentrate on achieving all they could as football players.

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"That was the moment you go 'you know what - I need to reevaluate the way I'm thinking'," the 34-year-old told BBC Radio 5 live.

"It is good to get nice stuff but it's about playing and what you achieve as a player.

"Do you want to play for England, do you want to win trophies? Some kids aren't lucky enough to have these moments or don't realise those moments when they hit them. I was fortunate I did."