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By NEIL CUSTIS

PREMIER LEAGUE bosses have turned on Roy Hodgson over his ‘desert rats’ rant.

Alex Ferguson, Arsene Wenger and Harry Redknapp hit back after the England coach slated clubs who allow players to use international breaks as sunshine holidays.

Old Trafford chief Fergie said: “International football interferes with clubs’ ambitions.

“They have been playing an international friendly before the season starts for the last decade. Tell me the sense of that.

“Club managers are always in disagreement with international football, particularly in friendly situations.”

QPR manager Harry Redknapp declared: “International friendlies are often meaningless games.

“Roy’s been a club manager and I’m sure when there was a break he was only too pleased to give players a rest or take them off to train.”

Manchester United’s Rio Ferdinand sparked outrage when he withdrew from World Cup qualifiers with San Marino and Montenegro — then flew to Qatar as a TV pundit.

Fergie added: “Players should be available for the European Championship and the World Cup. But you can’t tell me that applies in friendlies.”

Arsenal’s Wenger said: “Ninety nine per cent of players want to play for the national team. This one example is Rio Ferdinand.”

Manchester City are off on a post-season US tour before England friendlies with Ireland at Wembley and Brazil in Rio. And City gaffer Roberto Mancini admitted: “For me, going to New York is like going on holiday. It is true.”

 

 

 

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