Rio Ferdinand recently announced his retirement from football after having just been released by QPR.

The former Manchester United defender had been struggling for form and fitness even during his final few years at United. His decline only compounded after the move to Loftus Road. Ferdinand was unable to get a place in the first-team for the relegated team. Aware that his powers on the pitch were on a drastic decline, the former England international decided to announce his retirement. However, this is not going to be the last time Ferdinand is involved in a game.

A number of other business interests coupled with the loss of his wife could potentially take him away from football, but former Spurs manager Harry Redknapp says that he would like to see Ferdinand become a manager in football. The former West Ham defender could return to manage the London outfit according to Redknapp, who is one of the contenders to replace Sam Allardyce. If Redknapp returns to Upton Park, it has been speculated that he could bring Ferdinand as one of his assistants. This could be the first path towards management for the 35-year-old. Redknapp gave the defender his professional debut back in 1996.

“Rio Ferdinand’s doing his coaching badges and has got a great football brain. He always had good ideas and read the game well.I’d like to see him as manager of West Ham. I’d go with him as director of football – that would be a good partnership. I’d love to see him get the opportunity somewhere, he’s young and enthusiastic. Starting a career, every young man needs mentors. I found mine in Dave Goodwin, the district manager at Blackheath, and Tony Carr, the youth team manager at West Ham,” said the former Portsmouth, West Ham, and Tottenham manager about Ferdinand.