Armed with elegance, pace and an astute ability to read the game, Rio Ferdinand is one of the finest defenders in world football.
The Peckham-born star burst onto the scene with West Ham under the guidance of Harry Redknapp, later signing for Leeds in November 2000. However, the 2002 World Cup was Rio's real coming out party as his performances with England ultimately convinced Sir Alex Ferguson to part ways with an estimated ￡30million.Now over 400 first-team appearances and countless trophies later, Ferdinand remains a giant of modern football and is widely regarded as one of the finest defenders to have played on these shores.Although his first season was initially hampered by injury, Rio became an integral player as United overtook Arsenal to claim the Barclays Premier League - capping a fine debut season in M16 for the new recruit.However, in September 2003, disaster struck as Ferdinand missed a routine drugs test and was later banned from football for eight months, not returning until a 2-1 win over Liverpool in September 2004.Since then, Rio has consistently.
12 Mar 2014 ,Rio Ferdinand delivered three PlayStation 4s, along with Fifa 14 PS3 and controllers Francis House Children’s Hospice.
The defensive duo dropped in to deliver three PlayStation 4s, along with games and controllers, and ended up with a win and a draw after challenging some of the youngsters to
Fifa 14 Coins and
FIFA 14 Tltimate Team Coins.
The visit allowed sick young children to mingle with the players and pose for photographs as they battled it out on the football game.
Rio, 35, said: “The club has a close relationship with the hospice and the lads enjoy seeing the smiles on the kids’ faces as well as meeting the families who receive such great support and care.”
Francis House provides care for many terminally ill children who suffer from diseases including cancer and degenerative neuromuscular conditions.
The club works with the hospice through Manchester United Foundation, who organised the event, and together they have raised nearly ￡700,000 in the last seven years.
Next month, the Didsbury site will open a new ￡3.5 million seven-bedroom extension, allowing the hospice to care for more youngsters.
Reds fan Patrick Kelly, nine, from Sale, has been coming to Francis House since he was three and was quick to get an autograph from Rio, before the two played
FIFA Coins.
