Ferdinand defends Qatar trip

Rio Ferdinand has defended his trip to Qatar despite a back problem which requires delicate fitness management ruling him out of England duty.

Last Updated: 21/03/13 at 11:17 Post Comment   

Rio Ferdinand: The Manchester United defender has explained his trip to Qatar

Rio Ferdinand: The Manchester United defender has explained his trip to Qatar

The defender had previously withdrawn from his country's squad for the World Cup qualifying double-header against San Marino and Montenegro after a surprise recall.

Ferdinand has confirmed he has made the trip to Doha, where he will cover England as a television pundit and is set to arrive at the Aspire sports Academy.

The Manchester United star on Thursday morning tweeted: "Gonna check into Aspire, state of the art facilities. Nice!"

Ferdinand later wrote: "1) Flown out for some pre-planned downtime...with a bit of punditry thrown in for a game I would have watched anyway.

"2) No different from what I done on the last 10day international break...thank you guys.

"Haters are gonna hate...also assume everything...although it must be the gospel truth based on assumptions!"

England boss Roy Hodgson had performed a U-turn in selecting the former West Ham United and Leeds United player for the qualifiers.

Hodgson had previously decided against the 34-year-old and he was not involved in Euro 2012 amid speculation over the racism row with John Terry, Ashley Cole and his brother - Anton.

Hodgson then named Ferdinand in his squad for San Marino and Montenegro only to see him withdraw due to his detailed pre-planned training and medical programme.

Related News

Sky Bet

    • Retrieving latest Sky Bet odds

Most Commented

Readers' Comments

Y

et another example of Cameron's broken Britton.

varicoseregent
Britton prepares for surgery

I

ve heard his older brother might be joining as part of the deal too... Roland.

wezmond
West Ham sign defender Rat

I

think it's time anyway. That hat must smell awful by now. Time for a change and a rinse

levi
Pulis' Stoke exit confirmed

Footer 365

Eight in frame for Everton job

Everton are understood to have identified eight potential candidates to replace David Moyes as manager at Goodison Park.

Ferran Soriano says it's time for new era at Manchester City after Roberto Mancini sacked

Chief executive Ferran Soriano says Manchester City are 'just looking for the next cycle' after sacking Roberto Mancini.

TP disappointed to leave Stoke

Tony Pulis is disappointed to have left Stoke but understands the board's wish to take the club in a different direction.

Mail Box

Mails: Jol Out And Other Demands...

You might notice that we haven't included a single mail about teams in pubs, because most of them were terrible. Instead we have a disgruntled Fulham fan and Scouse maths...

A Night In The Pub With Aston Villa...

Villa are the latest team to get the pub treatment, while the morning mailbox also includes missives on Tony Pulis leaving Stoke and Chelsea's future under Jose Mourinho...

© 2013 British Sky Broadcasting Ltd. All Rights Reserved