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There is one particular category of players who we could say were born in the wrong era. As far as I am concerned, Rio Ferdinand is the first name that comes to the mind. Franz Beckenbauer, arguably the best defender the football world has ever seen, made his name playing as a ‘sweeper’.
In an era when such ball playing, pacy and elegant defenders are getting extinct – perhaps from the evolution of the game or due to the tactical rigidity – England missed out on the 21st century Beckenbauer. In Rio, British football had a gem. A wasted gem. A rare breed of defender with immaculate ball control, vision, speed and an eye for a pass.
Nevertheless, as Rio announces his retirement from professional football he will be remembered as an England great and a Manchester United legend.The former West Ham United academy graduate is one of the most decorated English players of his time.
His trophy tally reads as 6 Premier League Titles, 3 League Cups, 6 Community Shields, 1 FA Cup, 1 Champions League crown and 1 Fifa Club World Cup. The 12-year illustrious career at Manchester United developed him into one of the best defenders the Premier League era has seen.
Let us look at the top moments of Rio Ferdinand’s career.
International Call-up
During the 1997-98 season, Rio had a phenomenal season with the Hammers. At such tender age, he showed great maturity and went on to win the Hammer of the year award. The youngster was grabbing attention from big clubs.
Manchester United was reported to have made an enquiry which was eventually turned down. Glen Hoddle, then England manager was more than convinced by the remarkable potential shown by Ferdinand.
On 15th November 1997, Rio Ferdinand made his international debut in a friendly against Cameroon. The 19-year-old talented teenager was the youngest ever defender to play for the country.
Transfer from Leeds United to Manchester United
When Sir Alex Ferguson signed Rio Ferdinand from Leeds United for what was believed to be £29.1m, it made him the most expensive British player and the most expensive defender in the world for a second time.
Eyebrows were raised and Manchester United’s transfer policy was questioned. But the critics who labelled him as an overrated player would now be hanging their head in shame because Rio has simply achieved everything at Old Trafford. Under the guidance of Sir Alex Ferguson, Rio developed into the finest defender of his generation second to probably only John Terry.
He established his place at the heart of Manchester United defence. In a trophy-laden successful career, Rio would go on to make into Premier League PFA team of the year for 6 times.
First Premier League title
“It was a dream come true.You think it’s never going to happen. I’d been playing professional football for seven years and never even got close to winning the league. So when I signed for Man United, that was my whole aim. All I’d dreamed about was winning the league and now I was at a club where the platform was there to win that. To do it in the first season was great. “ said Rio, about his first Premier League title.
It was a time when Sir Alex Ferguson’s Manchester United was seriously challenged by Arsene Wenger’s Arsenal. Manchester United had surrendered the title to Arsenal in the previous season.
The signing of Ferdinand was indeed a statement of intent from the Red Devils. In what could be called a dream debut season, Ferdinand comfortably slotted into the centre back position, playing 28 times for the club as it finished 5 points above the second placed Arsenal. It truly was a dream come true.
Last minute winner against Liverpool in 2006
Manchester United and Liverpool is a rivalry that needs no introduction. It is a rivalry that knows no boundaries. To even score a goal against the Merseyside is enough to be treated a hero in the eyes of the Old Trafford Faithful. But to score a 90th-minute winner against the bitter rivals at Old Trafford in front of a sixty seven thousand something crowd is beyond words awesome.
This goal is probably the most important goal that Rio Ferdinand scored in his career. For this particular goal he will forever be remembered.
In the 90th minute of the game, United won a freekick on the right side. Ryan Giggs’s left footed delivery dips in dangerously into the crowded penalty area. Rio Ferdinand jumps the highest and powers a header past Reina.
Old Trafford erupts into mad celebration.Ferdinand raises both his arms and runs to the Stretford end. An ecstatic Wes Brown climbs over his shoulders. The other teammates embrace him in wild appreciation. This probably has to be the best on-field moment for Rio.
Winning the UEFA Champions League 2007/08
The 2007-08 team of Manchester United is one of the greatest teams to have played in the Premier League era. It was built by a man who believed in the philosophy ‘Attack wins you games. Defence wins you titles.’
The team will be remembered by an average fan for the deadly trio of Rooney-Tevez-Ronaldo. But often forgotten is the fact that the team was built on a rock solid foundation. Throughout the successful double winning season, Rio Ferdinand was that silent guardian at the back as the team attacked with confidence.
The season culminated in the UEFA Champions League triumph at Moscow as Manchester United beat Chelsea in the penalty shoot-out.
Winning the Champions League is the biggest dream of any footballer playing in Europe. Had Rio not won it, it would have left a major void in his tremendous club career. But Rio reached the pinnacle by going out there, playing his heart out and raising the trophy with pride.
Simply put, Rio did it all. Looking back, he should not have any regrets about a career every Manchester United fan will be proud to remember.
