LONDON - Former England captain Rio Ferdinand plans to retire from football at the end of the season.

After being released by Manchester United at the end of last season, the 35-year-old defender has struggled to make an impact at Queens Park Rangers. He was an unused substitute in Sunday's loss to Liverpool and could be confined to the bench again for Monday's match at home to Aston Villa.

Asked by Britain's ITV channel about retirement, Ferdinand replied: "I probably think the end of this season. I'm not fearful of retirement. I'm looking forward to it."

Ferdinand is already working as a TV pundit and earning his coaching qualifications.