Sport

Success is like fine wine: Veteran Rio Ferdinand enjoying Premier League victory more than ever in old age

 By Chris Bailey

An aging Rio Ferdinand admits success is even sweeter in the twilight of his career after winning his sixth Premier League title for Manchester United.

The 34-year-old has enjoyed a stellar season with the Red Devils, making 31 appearances and earning an England call-up.

Though Ferdinand – who is out-of-contract this summer – may have experienced it all before, he insists the hunger for victory never fades.

“I am still loud as ever, I have already lost my voice but you have got to enjoy it,” Ferdinand told MUTV.

“To be honest with you, we have been a little bit lackadaisical about it when we had won a couple in the past, moving on quite quickly.

“But you have to enjoy it, especially when you get to my age.

“Winning can’t get boring. It’s always sweet when you win the title and it’s nice to do it here at Old Trafford and in the right way, in style.”

With another title locked away in the Red Devils’ trophy room, comparisons are inevitably made between United sides new and old.

And they will make their claim for one of the best-ever should they win all remaining five games to set the Premier League points record with 96.

But Ferdinand dismissed trying to rank their efforts, claiming United old and new only have one thing in common – a thirst for success.

“I think it is pointless trying to compare teams because it is different eras,” he added.

“It makes good pub talk and good media talk, but for us, it is neither here nor there – it’s about winning.

“We’re going to have a winners’ medal by the end of the season and we are delighted about that.

“To compare us is a waste of time. We respect all of the teams that have gone before us, but we just want to be part of this club’s history.”

Courtesy of Nike, via YouTube, with thanks.

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