Cristiano Ronaldo has said that he cannot understand why Roy Hodgson has not included Rio Ferdinand in his squad for the Euro 2012 championships.

The Portuguese forward believes that his former Manchester United teammate is still one of the best defenders in the world.

Ferdinand was omitted in favour of John Terry, with the two seemingly unwilling to play alongside one another due to the Chelsea skipper's alleged racial abuse of Anton Ferdinand.

Ronaldo said that Ferdinand should have been included in the squad because he could help England win the tournament.

"Rio is the best centre-back in England and still one of the best in the world," said Ronaldo. "I don't understand why he is not in the national team.

"Maybe the coach has justifications and we have to respect those, but I have to be honest, I love Rio.

"He's a great player, great man and he should be in the national team because he would help England do well, maybe to win the tournament."

Ronaldo is captain of his national team.