Ferdinand: Over injury problems and ready to play his part
Rio Ferdinand has played down concerns regarding his fitness and claims he is ready to lead Manchester United to multiple honours this season.
The England defender has been troubled by a succession of injury concerns over recent years, severely restricting his game time.
An outing in Sunday’s 1-0 defeat to Arsenal was just his 26th appearance of a disrupted 2010/11 campaign.
In comparison, Ferdinand’s centre-half partner Nemanja Vidic has turned out on 43 occasions this term.
“I feel good and to be involved in the big games at this stage of the season, fighting for trophies, is what you want as a footballer.”
Rio Ferdinand Quotes of the week
The 32-year-old insists he is ready and raring to go now, though, with enforced breaks having left him fresh for United’s pursuit of Premier League and UEFA Champions League crowns.
Niggles
“People keep going on about how many games I have missed and compared to the usual amount I play you could say it has been a bit of a sporadic season for me,” Ferdinand told United Review.
“But I have been pleased with my performances and I feel back to my best now.
“My back is fine and hopefully I can put the niggling calf problems I have had this season behind me.
“I feel good and to be involved in the big games at this stage of the season, fighting for trophies, is what you want as a footballer.
“We just need to make sure we get the job done.”
Future
While United would have preferred to have Ferdinand available for the entire season, his absence has allowed Chris Smalling and Jonny Evans to underline their undoubted potential.
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The ongoing development of the promising pair means United appear to be in safe hands, regardless of who Sir Alex Ferguson selects to marshal the centre of his back four.
“Chris has been fantastic,” said Ferdinand.
“He and Jonny are great young players with big futures at this club.
“In time I am sure those two will be the bedrock of the team.”
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Ferdinand fit and focused