Rio Ferdinand Fact File

Rio Gavin Ferdinand was born 7 November 1978 and is an English footballer. He plays at centre back defense for Manchester United in the Premier League and in his international team England. He has achieved 70 caps for the English national team.

Career

Ferdinand began his football career playing for many youth teams, finally settling at West Ham United. While at West Ham he played for the youth team working his way to the first team. He finally made it professionally in 1996 with West Ham and he was a fan favorite. In 2000 Ferdinand joined Leeds United for a fee of £18 million where he settled in well and became a key part of the Leeds team. After spending two years with Leeds united Ferdinand then joined premier league side Manchester United in 2002 for a fee of about £33 million. Since Ferdinand has been at united he has appeared 108 times and has scored six premier league goals. He currently wears the number 5 shirt.

International Career

At the age of 19 Rio Ferdinand made his full first team England debut in 1997 which made him the youngest defender to play for England at that time. Ferdinand has been apart of ten world cups for England and has made a significant impact when playing.

Family and Personal Life

Rio Ferdinand grew up in a council estate in Peckham. He has two brothers and four sisiters. Ferdinand's girlfriend Rebecca Ellison in 2006 gave birth to their son Lorenz. While on holiday in Las Vegas in 2007 Ferdinand proposed to his girlfriend and she accepted. The couple had their second child a boy named Tate in 2008.

Honours

Since becoming a professional footballer Rio Ferdinand has received many honours such as premier league player of the month and premier league team of the year.

Rio Ferdinand is well-known for his strength and composure on the ball which makes him a key player to both Manchester United and the England team.