Rio Ferdinand recently shared some of his most memorable moments from his illustrious football career in a lively chat filled with laughter and nostalgia. From training ground legends to questionable dress sense, Rio gave us an insight into the lighter side of football life, sprinkled with a bit of wisdom.
Best Trainer
When it came to the best trainer, Rio didn’t hesitate: “Paul Scholes. No matter what day it was, you always wanted to be on his team during a 5-a-side. Even when he retired and came back eight months later, he was still the best player in training. He’s the most naturally gifted footballer I’ve seen.”
Worst Trainer
At the opposite end of the spectrum, Rio called out Wes Brown and Carlos Tevez. “Wes was terrible, and Carlos wasn’t much better,” he laughed. “But come game time, they’d switch on. Carlos especially – he’d go 100 miles an hour like a wind-up toy. You just let him loose, and he’d cause chaos.”
Most Skillful Player
When it comes to skill, Rio struggled to choose between Cristiano Ronaldo and Dimitar Berbatov. “Cristiano had crazy skills – stepovers, showboating, all for the fans. But Berbatov’s touch was just velvet. The ball would drop out of the sky, and he’d bring it down without a sound. Beautiful.”
Best Dressing Room DJ
Rio took this title for himself. “I was the DJ. I played for the crowd, not just for myself. Everyone got their moment. We won a lot when I was in charge of the music, so I must’ve been doing something right!”
Worst Dancer
When it came to dancing, Gary Neville and Frank Lampard got the shout for being the worst. “Gary was horrific, and Frank wasn’t much better. They’re a bit stiff – a little oil in the joints, and they’d be alright.”
Worst Dress Sense
Joey Barton and Anderson topped Rio’s list of worst-dressed players. “Joey came in some wild outfits – no shoes, crazy combinations. Anderson? He’d wear flip-flops with baggy jeans and random shades, even when it was raining. We’d just look at him and think, ‘What are you doing?’”
Teacher’s Pet
Rio called out Gary and Phil Neville as the ultimate teacher’s pets. “When I first joined England, they’d be doing stretches during team talks, making sure the manager noticed. It was next level.”
Most Fined Player
Surprisingly, Rio admitted he was fined a lot during his career. “I’d argue with managers or do silly things off the pitch. I never got fined for being late, though – I was always punctual. It was usually the heat of the moment during games that got me in trouble.”
Best Manager
There was no doubt in Rio’s mind when it came to the best manager he worked under: Sir Alex Ferguson. “His record speaks for itself – over 30 trophies. He transformed Man United and stayed at the top for nearly 30 years. His work ethic was incredible – first in, last out every day. It set the tone for the whole club.”
Why Rio Loves Football Escapes
Rio’s passion for football and family is what makes him such an integral part of Football Escapes. He understands the value of creating unforgettable moments, both on and off the pitch.
Unmatched Football Coaching
Rio highlighted the unique approach Football Escapes takes. “The coaching isn’t just about skills – it’s about creating an experience. Legends like myself are involved throughout the trip, not just on the pitch but mingling with families, answering questions, and being part of the holiday.”
Personal Touches
Every family receives something special to take home, like a signed football shirt, personalised video messages from the legends, and customised football kits for the kids. “These touches make it so much more than just a football camp,” Rio explained.
Luxury Holidays
For Rio, the five-star resorts are just as important as the football. “You’re staying in incredible locations, like the Maldives, where families can enjoy the best of both worlds – luxury and football. Whether it’s parents joining in games or families doing excursions together, it’s all about making memories.”
The Full Experience
As Rio summed it up: “Football Escapes isn’t just a holiday. It’s a chance to connect with your family, learn from legends, and enjoy some of the best locations in the world. You can’t beat it.”
With Rio Ferdinand’s stories and enthusiasm, it’s clear why Football Escapes is a one-of-a-kind experience. Ready to create your own unforgettable memories? Football Escapes is waiting.
