Former Arsenal defender Martin Keown has claimed that Rio Ferdinand should retire from international football to prolong his career at Manchester United.

Ferdinand has struggled with an ongoing back injury for a number of seasons and Keown believes that the centre back should concentrate on his club duties.

Keown told the Daily Mail: "I think Rio might be better retiring from international football with the problems he's had with his back just to extend his playing career.

"He will want to play. He won't retire because his future at Manchester United isn't really assured either. He didn't get words of comfort from his own manager who questioned his pace earlier this season, which was extraordinary."

Ferdinand's manager Sir Alex Ferguson has stated that the 33-year-old should go to Euro 2012.