Once signed as the most expensive defender in the world for £30 million, 438 appearances for Manchester United and 6 Premier League Titles later, Rio Ferdinand is now contemplating the idea of possible retirement from professional football.
With a massive drop in the standard and form of Manchester United this season, it seems to have been the final straw for the English centre half who of course has also had his injury problems in recent years. And when asked about his future, Ferdinand admited he was ready to look at life outside of football whenever the time comes to make that decision.
When talking about his future, Ferdinand stated, “I will probably work on TV, I’ve got a contract with BT Sport who are doing a lot of football coverage at the moment. I will probably go and work with them for a couple of years.”
When asked about the possibilty of turning into a career in management he replied, “I’d like to be involved in management as well. Where it will be I don’t know – or if I get the opportunity. I will do my badges and stuff like that to give myself the opportunity.”
Yet to be offered a new contract by David Moyes and Manchester United, the centre half does not seem to be worried about his career ending with the current English champions. “A lot of people get to the stage of life where they start retiring and are worried and nervous,” he added. “They get a bit of anxiety, but I am – not looking forward to retiring from football – but looking forward to that next stage of my life when it comes because there are a lot of avenues that are there waiting to be explored, so I can’t wait really.”
With talk like this from Ferdinand, it near looks destined that he will be on his way out of Old Trafford along with partner Nemanja Vidic who is on his way to Inter Milan, meaning Moyes is losing yet more of his experienced squad members.
Stefan Hobson
