Manchester United legend Rio Ferdinand reflects on life outside football as he accepts OBE
Manchester United legend Rio Ferdinand poses with his wife, Kate, after the ex-England football captain accepted an OBE from the Prince of Wales for his services to football and charity today. Joining him at the investiture ceremony at Windsor Castle was his father, Julian Ferdinand.
Ferdinand once had aspirations to become a football manager but the television pundit joked he had escaped the stress-induced grey hair of coaches after his plans did not work out. Speaking after the Prince of Wales awarded him an OBE during an investiture ceremony, Ferdinand said: “I’ve got a platform because of football but it’s about using that and utilising that in the right way so it can impact other people, which has always been the drive for me.
While still a footballer he established the Rio Ferdinand Foundation, which states on its website that it aims to help youngsters from working-class areas in “tackling racism and inequality, and providing opportunities and pathways to deliver social mobility and realise personal potential”. He stressed that providing opportunities is “the key” and “nothing was to be given on a plate, you still have to earn it”.
“The media stuff has been really good, keeps you in touch with the game and all the young players coming through – I’m still part of the furniture of football, which is great and obviously my passion.”
South Africa Latest News, South Africa Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Man Utd legend Rio Ferdinand to be made an OBERoyal honour for former defender turned football pundit
Read more »
'He didn’t take his chance' - Ferdinand weighs up Donny van de Beek's Man Utd futureRio Ferdinand has had his say on Manchester United midfielder Donny van de Beek after he has recently been given a series of starts.
Read more »
Ferdinand praises Salah who looked a 'cut above' and hints at new Liverpool partnershipRio Ferdinand has been quick to praise Liverpool forward Mohamed Salah and the impact that Darwin Nunez has had.
Read more »
Arsenal: Ferdinand picks out Arteta's two 'most important' players after Gunners beat Chelsea's 'B team'Rio Ferdinand has picked out two players who are 'most important' to Arsenal after Mikel Arteta's side beat Chelsea 1-0 over the weekend.
Read more »
Ronaldo had 'Greco-Roman wrestle' with Mings, while Man United teammate elbowed BaileyManchester United suffered a setback as they fell to a 3-1 defeat at Aston Villa, but at least they finished the match with 11 men. Shortly after Jacob Ramsey made it 3-1 to Unai Emery’s side…
Read more »
Man United open door to Wan-Bissaka exit as Crystal Palace prepare short-term moveManchester United will allow Aaron Wan-Bissaka to rejoin Crystal Palace if a deal can be agreed. According to reports from The Sun, his former club are serious contenders to sign the right-back on …
Read more »