Sport

Manchester United’s Rio Ferdinand reveals five-year plan: ‘I’m going to manage in the Premier League’

By Tim Hyde

Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand has told fans that in five years’ time he will be living in London and managing in the Premier League

The veteran defender took to Twitter to answer questions sent in by his five million followers.

Ferdinand, who is the most expensive English footballer in history, also revealed his career highlight and assured worried Reds fans that United would finish in the top-four this season.  

When asked where he sees himself in five years’ time, Rio said: “Alive, living in London and managing in the Premier League!”

After answering fans’ questions for more than an hour, the #askrio session became so popular that it trended worldwide.

When answering, what is the highlight of your career? He said: “The Champions League in Moscow, 2008. It was the drunkest ever at the celebration party!”

Even after making 444 appearances for Manchester United, Rio told fans that he still felt a sense of awe when meeting some of his idols.

One user asked which famous face had Rio most star-struck to which he replied: “Mandela & when I spoke to Michael Jackson! madness.”

The 34-year-old, who has publicly shared his admiration for the footballing talents of Argentine Lionel Messi and former team-mate Cristiano Ronaldo, claimed they will go down as the best ever.

When asked if he thinks players of a higher calibre than Messi and Ronaldo would emerge in future generations, Ferdinand simply replied with ‘no’.

Ferdinand also treated fans to his top-three Red Devils of all time.

Rio said: “Scholes for talent, Giggs for longevity and Cristiano, best for Magic.”

The veteran defender also told fans who is favourite player growing up was.

“Maradona – magician, artist, inspirational, my man *denzil voice,” he said.

United’s number five also made excuses for the horrific woman’s outfit he was pictured in claiming it was part of a stag-do dare.

Twitter Q&A questions are becoming increasingly popular with stars able to connect with their fans and show what they are really like.

Ferdinand also disclosed some of the more intimate details of his life, sharing his love of the responsibility that being a parent brings.

The former England Leeds and West Ham man said that he always does the school run in the mornings.

“It is the most stressful & rewarding time of a parents day,” he said.

Rio, who was born in Peckham, told his followers what other career path he would have chosen if he didn’t become a footballer.

“Working with kids for Southwark Council,” he added.

The father of three also answered some of the more mundane questions asked by his fans which included revealing his preference of fruits and favourite song of the moment.

What’s your favourite fruit? He said: “Crunchy apple or mango! Dry question that mate!”

Image courtesy of Casillero del Diablo, with thanks

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