Rio Still Keen On England

Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand admits he has not given up hope of representing his country again.

The 34-year-old's most recent England cap came in June 2011 and many felt his international career was over when he was left out of Roy Hodgson's Euro 2012 squad.

However, he says he still has the desire to play for his country and said: "The manager hasn't picked me but if I got picked I'd pack my bags and go straight there.

"I'm no different to anyone else. I love playing for England. If I'm not then I'll keep doing what I'm doing for Manchester United."

Ferdinand has been capped 81 times by England, with his last appearance coming in a Euro qualifier against Switzerland.

Hodgson has previously insisted Ferdinand's non-selection was nothing to do with the possibility of disharmony between the United centre-back and John Terry, who was included in the Euro 2012 squad despite awaiting trial over allegations he racially abused Ferdinand's brother Anton.

The Chelsea defender was cleared of the charge at Westminster Magistrates' Court last July but was handed a four-match domestic ban after being found guilty by an independent Football Association regulatory commission.

Ferdinand was at the centre of attention once more in October when Hodgson publicly apologised after discussing his international future with passengers on the London Underground.