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England Players Profiles - Rio Ferdinand |
Born in London in February 1978 to Julian and Janice, Ferdinand was educated at Blackheath Blue Coats High School and counted football and ballet amongst his hobbies. He eventually chose to concentrate on football and joined the West Ham United Youth system in 1992.
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Ferdinand eventually signed a contract for the West Ham United senior team and played his debut match for them in their final game of the season against Sheffield Wednesday.
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His first transfer came in November 2000 when he moved to Leeds United in a record breaking £18 million deal, a cost which earned him the title of the most expensive defender in the World. He started well, helping his team make it to the semi-finals of the UEFA Champions League, and in August 2001 he was made Captain.
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In July 2002 he joined Manchester United in a deal with a total value of £33 million, which made him the most expensive British player ever. He helped his new club win the Premier League in his first season and scored his first goal in December 2005 when they won 4-0 against Wigan Athletic. |
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Ferdinand continued to play well, scoring a few goals in League matches. On 8 March 2008, when the team’s two goalkeepers were sent off and injured in the FA Cup quarter final, Ferdinand stepped into the goal but failed to save a Portsmouth spot-kick which sent Manchester United out of the cup.
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At international level, Ferdinand was called-up to the senior squad in the November 1997 friendly against Cameroon. He came on as a substitute.
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Ferdinand wore the England Captain’s armband briefly under Capello’s instruction, and regained it permanently on 5 February 2010 after John Terry was forced to give up the honour |
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| Ferdinand won Premier League Player of the Month in October 2001 and helped Manchester United win the Premier League on four occasions |
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Rio Ferdinand Stats
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Full Name: Rio Gavin Ferdinand |
Date of Birth: 7th November 1978 |
Place of Birth: Peckham, London |
England Debut: 15th November 1997 against Cameroon |
Total England Caps: 76 |
Total England Goals: 3 |
Bookings: 3 |
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Stats correct on 15th April 2010 |
