SoccerBible Meets Rio Ferdinand
We catch up with Manchester United and England defender Rio Ferdinand, who talks exclusively to SoccerBible about everything from designing his own football boots to how he'd fare as a striker! Check out what he had to say...
It's been a stop-start season for the former England captain, but with Manchester United in poll position for Premier League title number 20, he'll be looking to provide that much needed experience to see them across the finishing line.
With a career spanning relationship alongside Nike under his belt, Rio has now taken on a pivotal role in Nike's 2012 search for some of the game's best unsigned footballing talent, spearheading Nike's UK scouting network for 'The Chance'. When it comes to his footwear, the Manchester United defender has a long affinity with the T90 range, but adjusting to the changing design of modern football boots wasn't easy!
''The biggest turning point for me was the 2002 World Cup. Nike produced a T90 boot that was just white. At the time I was saying - I can't wear these, it's going to affect my performance - I was looking down at them thinking I need a black boot, I can't wear white boots. I went there, played well and haven't looked back ever since.''
He's one of the busiest men in football, but would make time for a spot in boot designing if the opportunity ever presented itself! ''If Nike ever wanted me to design a boot I'd do that no problems and I think they'd be a best seller. A great birthday present would be for Nike to give me every single boot I've ever worn every season. Just one of every style.''
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