Top 5 footballers who may retire at the end of the season

Ferdinand is one of the best defenders to ever play for Manchester United

2. Rio Ferdinand- Former Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson paid £30 million for the services of Rio in 2002 making him the most expensive defender ever and it is safe to say that Ferdinand more than justified his investment.

The 35-year-old has been an integral part of the United set up for over a decade and has helped the team win 6 Premier Leagues, 2 League Cups, 5 Community Shields, 1 FIFA Club World Cup and 1 Champions League. The center back has been included in the PFA Team of the Year on six occasions and was a part of the FIFA XI for the year 2007-2008.

Ferdinand formed one of the worlds most finest defense partnerships along with Nemanja Vidic and together they kept many clean sheets for the Old Trafford club. Rio has received praise for his tackling, positioning and blocking skills from various critics, who considered him as one of the best defenders in the world in his prime.

It is unfortunate that he has not won an FA Cup yet with Manchester United. The former England international was a vital part of the Three Lions before announcing his retirement from international football last summer. Ferdinand deserved to lift at least one trophy with his country but unfortunately that wasn’t to be.

The veteran’s form and pace has dipped considerably since last year and has played 12 games for the Red Devils this season. Ferdinand will most likely hang up his boots at the end of the season but will do so having permanently carved a niche for himself at the Theater Of Dreams.