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CONCENTRATING: Rio Ferdinand

MANCHESTER UNITED defender Rio Ferdinand has stated that he does not want the England captaincy, following John Terry’s removal from the position this morning.

Ferdinand, the current national team vice-captain took to social networking site, Twitter to explain his take on the matter.

He said: “I don’t want to be England captain after the last episode, [I] just want to concentrate on playing for United and if I make the squad then as ever I will be delighted.”

Ferdinand’s “episode” refers to being made captain in 2010 and then having it taken away a year later.

Ferdinand has struggled for fitness this season and has been omitted from the last two England squads.

The United defender has also found it difficult to hold down a starting berth at his club with the emergence of Phil Jones and Chris Smalling.

At the age of 33, the upcoming European Championships in June could be Ferdinand’s last major tournament for his country.

Bookmakers have made Liverpool midfielder Steven Gerrard as favourite to take the captaincy from Terry, with Joe Hart and Scott Parker just behind him.