Man United defender Rio Ferdinand has admitted he put his career before country when he decided not to play for England again.
The 34-year-old could have answered England manager Roy Hodgson's call but instead chose to extend his playing career.
Ferdinand told the Sunday Sun: "Basically, I could play for another three or four years - or play two or three games for England and be finished in a year. It wasn't a contest.
"I couldn't sacrifice my fitness for the sake of a few more England caps.
"It would not have been fair on United, it would have been a disservice to the club and to England."
Ferdinand also revealed he considered quitting the game when Sir Alex Ferguson announced his retirement.
He said: "Sir Alex leaving did make me think: Is it time for me to go too?"
Ferdinand also revealed just how much his chronic back injury affected him.
"Two or three years ago people were saying I was finished and I remember those dark days," he added. "I was in a depressive state, I will admit that.
"They weren't easy times and I couldn't play to the highest standard. You think negative thoughts. I had 18 months of being injured on and off."
