England boss Roy Hodgson respects Rio Ferdinand's decision to retire
Wednesday 15 May 2013 17:08, UK
Image:Rio Ferdinand: Has called time on his international career after winning 81 caps
England manager Roy Hodgson respects and understands Rio Ferdinand's decision to slip into international retirement.
Form
While Ferdinand is bowing out at international level, another seasoned campaigner in the form of Chelsea midfielder Frank Lampard remains very much in Hodgson's thoughts.
Ahead of Wednesday's Europa League final which will see Chelsea do battle with Benfica, Hodgson suggested that the 34-year-old could continue to grace a Three Lions jersey for some years yet.
He said: "There is no reason to suggest he can't. We were very unlucky to lose him just before the Euros to injury. Since that time we have had a couple of occasions where we would have liked him to be with us when he couldn't be because of injury, but for the most part he has been with us all the time.
"He has maintained his form throughout the season - he has suffered a few periods where he hasn't been first choice, yet we're here at the end of the season and he's finishing so very strongly.
"I'm looking forward to having him with us when we play our next two matches, and from my conversations with him I know he's looking forward to it too."
