Konula: English Premier League, Manchester United, QPR, Leeds United, West Ham, Rio Ferdinand
The English defender issued a statement prior to the FA Cup final, where his thanked his parents, his late wife Rebecca, and his former coach, Sir Alex Ferguson.

Rio Ferdinand made official something that was rumored to be happening in the near future today, when he announced his retiremente from professional football. The former Manchester United player hangs his boots after 18 years of pro career, weeks after his wife Rebecca passed away.

In his statement, Ferdinand spoke about his gratitude for everything he was able to live inside the pitch, including all those trophies he lifted with the Red Devils.

"After 18 years as a professional footballer I now feel it's the right time for me to retire from the game that I love. I never dreamt that I would play for my boyhood club West Ham, captain Leeds, win the Champions League with Manchester United, or re-join my first manager Harry Redknapp at QPR. I will always regard the 81 times that I played for England with immense pride. These are all treasured memories that will last a lifetime," Rio Ferdinand stated.

In another paragraph, the center back also referred to those who inspired him the most, particularly his long-time United coach, Sir Alex Ferguson.

"Winning trophies over my 12 years at Manchester United allowed me to achieve everything I desired in football. None of that would have been possible, without the genius of one man, Sir Alex Ferguson. His greatest accomplishment in my eyes will always be how he developed us as men, not just as footballers. He will, in my opinion, always be the greatest manager in British football history," Ferdinand added.

The center back won 6 Premier League trophies, 1 UEFA Champions League and 3 League Cups with the Red Devils, among other titles.

After the news broke out, several players and fans paid their respects to one of the most influential center backs in recent years. Here are some of those tributes.