Rio Ferdinand not interested in England captaincy

Manchester United's Rio Ferdinand has ruled himself out of the running to replace John Terry as England captain.

Terry, who will stand trial in July over allegations he racially abused Ferdinand's brother and QPR defender Anton, has been stripped of the role.

Asked by Football Focus presenter Dan Walker if he wanted to be captain England again, Ferdinand replied: "Honestly? No.

"I just want to concentrate on playing for Manchester United."

However, in the interview , aired on BBC One on Saturday, 4 February, Ferdinand said he still wants to remain a part of the England team heading into Euro 2012.

"If I'm selected for the squad, then as usual I'll be delighted," he said.

"Playing for your country - being selected for your country - is a great achievement.

"I'll always feel privileged to be selected, so if that comes around again I'll happily meet up and give 100% as usual."

Ferdinand was handed the captaincy for the first time in 2008, as part of coach Fabio Capello's rotation policy ahead of the 2010 World Cup qualifiers.

Later that year, the Italian appointed Terry as permanent skipper, only to stand him down following allegations that the Chelsea defender had an affair with team-mate Wayne Bridge's girlfriend.

Ferdinand then Capello's decision to turn back to Terry in March 2011.

Terry was in line to face Ferdinand in Chelsea's meeting with Manchester United on Sunday, but the Blues skipper has pulled out with injury.