Post by Reuben on Dec 12, 2005 2:54:13 GMT -5
• Born: 7 Nov 1978, Peckham, London
• Signed: 22 July 2002, from Leeds United
• Fee: £30million
• Other Previous Clubs: West Ham United
• Debut: 27 Aug 2003 v Zalaegerszeg (H) Champions League
• International Team: England
Where many panic under pressure and seek refuge by hoofing the ball into the stands, Rio thrives on weaving his way out of tight situations with a drop of the shoulder or a quick trick.
Armed with this skill, as well as great pace, aerial ability, organisational skills and reading of the game, Ferdinand has established himself as one of the world's top defenders.
Rio burst onto the Premiership scene with West Ham United under the guidance of Harry Redknapp before being snapped up by Leeds United for £18million.
The 2002 World Cup provided Rio with the stage to make the transformation from budding talent to accomplished defender, and his performances in Japan convinced Sir Alex Ferguson that he was the man to strengthen United's shaky defence.
After a summer of speculation, Ferguson finally got his man for a massive £30million, which remains a world-record fee for a defender.
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