Manchester United legend Rio Ferdinand has been named in the Premier League Hall of Fame. The former England international won six league titles in his time at Old Trafford and has been officially recognised as a Premier League icon.
Ferdinand made 504 appearances across his career with West Ham United, Leeds United, Queens Park Rangers and most notably, United. He scored 11 goals, registered eight assists and helped towards a colossal 189 clean sheets.
Ferdinand becomes the latest Manchester United hero to make the cut after Sir Alex Ferguson earlier in 2023. Former Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger was also included whilst two more players will be announced by the Premier League on Wednesday.
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Ferdinand was a mainstay in the Manchester United side that won three titles in a row from 2007 to 2009, forming an imperious partnership with Nemanja Vidic. During that period of dominance, United also lifted the UEFA Champions League in 2008, beating Chelsea on penalties in Moscow.
“As a defender, I'm not used to celebrating personal glory - we leave that to the midfielders and strikers!" Ferdinand said on his induction. "When you start your career, you never dream of how well things could turn out.
“I remember all those long journeys on trains and tubes; all the training, cleaning players’ boots and taking care of the kit. I remember going back to my estate and seeing my friends who were all desperate to know what it was like.
“It’s a great feeling to be recognised by my peers as well as the fans. To be inducted into the Premier League Hall of Fame alongside such a high calibre of players and to be able to say that I achieved my dream is special. The Premier League is the holy grail, and I just can’t believe I made it.”
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