Share

Ferdinand: I was the best

Cape Town - Manchester United legend Rio Ferdinand believes that between 2006 and 2010, he was the best defender in the world.

Ferdinand spent 12 years at Old Trafford, and won a number of honours, including six Premier League titles and the Champions League. 

And, the former England captain believes that at his peak, he had no rivals in his position.

"I looked around my dressing room and saw great centre halves and thought 'I'm going to out-work you, do more than you, be better than you," Ferdinand told BT Sport.

"I took it as an embarrassment to myself if I wasn't playing as well as that centre half. 

"Even in a game where you're playing against big players. John Terry at Chelsea, Sol Campbell at Arsenal... You're looking across the pitch thinking 'right, I've got to play better than them.

Asked by BT Sport if he thought he was the world's best defender, Ferdinand replied: "Yeah, yeah I did."

We live in a world where facts and fiction get blurred
Who we choose to trust can have a profound impact on our lives. Join thousands of devoted South Africans who look to News24 to bring them news they can trust every day. As we celebrate 25 years, become a News24 subscriber as we strive to keep you informed, inspired and empowered.
Join News24 today
heading
description
username
Show Comments ()
Voting Booth
Should Siya Kolisi keep the captaincy as the Springboks build towards their World Cup title defence in 2027?
Please select an option Oops! Something went wrong, please try again later.
Results
Yes! Siya will only be 36 at the next World Cup. He can make it!
25% - 1273 votes
No! I think the smart thing to do is start again with a younger skipper ...
29% - 1472 votes
I'd keep Siya captain for now, but look to have someone else for 2027.
45% - 2251 votes
Vote
Editorial feedback and complaints

Contact the public editor with feedback for our journalists, complaints, queries or suggestions about articles on News24.

LEARN MORE