Hey Rio. First of all, I’d like to congratulate you on your recovery from injury and we’re all looking forward to another solid season from you…
Q.1. How hard was it for you to miss the World Cup with England, considering you would have captained the side ?
- I was totally gutted. You look forward to it for so long and then not to be able to play, it was just awful.
Q.2. Big-name players didn’t exactly live-up to expectations in South Africa, what are your thoughts on that ?
- It’s not about individuals, it’s about playing as a squad and for whatever reasons it just didn’t happen for England.
Q.3. Obviously, Wayne Rooney has had his ups and downs in the past year, how important was it for him to sign a new contract with the club ?
- It was really important, Wayne is settled at this Club, he is a world class player and a big part of the team.
Q.4. Did you ever think Rooney would actually leave Old Trafford ?
- No, in my heart I always knew he would stay, he is a true Red.
Q.5. How on earth did Rooney not earn a spot in the Ballon d’Or shortlist ?
- I just couldn’t believe it – it’s a joke. He had an amazing season with United.
Q.6. Nemanja Vidic has recently been handed the captains armband, are you going to try and regain the captaincy ?
- No, I completely stand by the managers decision.
Q.7. What do you make of the emerging talent coming out of the club’s youth system ?
- We have some fantastic younger players coming out of the youth system, there are a few recent ones that have broken into the first team over the last couple of seasons, such as Ben Amos and also Danny Welbeck and Tom Cleverley. I am looking forward to when they (Welbeck & Cleverley) return from their loans spells. There is a batch of players not far behind them who you will see breaking into the first team over the coming seasons.
Q.8. A lot has been said about transfers in coming windows, do we need to strengthen the side ?
- That’s for the manager to decide…
Q.9. Do you, and the players understand supporters concern with the club’s owners – does it affect the squad ?
- We know the fans have concerns. As players, we report to the manager and we just get on and do our job on the training field and on the pitch.
Q.10. Which trophy do you prioritise; Premier League or Champions League ?
Q.11. Once a Red, always a Red – right ?
- Definitely … If the manager will have me !
Q.12. Greatest and worst moment in a United shirt ?
- Greatest Moments – 1st Premiership and 1st Champions League trophy… Worst Moment – My ban (for missing drugs test).
Q.13. What do you think you will do after your playing career ?
- I would like to go into management. The one thing I will always do is community / charity work. A small amount of my time can make such a difference to other peoples’ lives.
Q.14. What’s your stance on the argument that video refereeing should be introduced into professional football ?
- No – leave the game as it is.
Q.15. How much longer do you think Sir Alex Ferguson will manage The Reds ?
- For as long as he wants, I think he will go on forever. His dedication and enthusiasm for the game is still the same as it was when I joined the club.
Q.16. And finally, who would you like to see replace Fergie when he does eventually retire ?
- That’s a difficult one to answer when you have the best manager in the world !
Rio Ferdinand was talking exclusively to United Latest on Monday, 22nd November 2010.
