Rio Ferdinand has insisted that his trip to Qatar is part of his usual fitness regime.

The Manchester United star courted controversy when it was announced that he would be flying out to the Middle East to appear as a pundit on Al Jazeera's Arabic broadcast of England's game with San Marino.

That was despite pulling out of the Three Lions squad due to a "detailed pre-planned training and medical programme" that he must undergo to manage a persistent back problem.

Some elements of the media poured scorn on his decision to travel to Doha, but the 34-year-old revealed that he often makes the same trip to rest his body.

He also said that he told manager Roy Hodgson of his plans when they met in London to discuss his withdrawal from the squad.

"I met the boss in London and we spoke about my regime and I've done what I've done at the last few international breaks," Ferdinand told Al Jazeera Sport. "I've pencilled in to have certain treatment, had them and I've come away to have some rest time and to recuperate and get myself ready.

"I think obviously the situation with myself and the national team is well documented, but this isn't something I'm doing differently. This is something that I've done in past international get-togethers when I've not been involved.

"I've had a course of treatment that I've had to have, and to then go and rest and get ready and recuperate. That's what I've continued to do - but this is the way the media is."

Ferdinand has not played for England since 2011.