A former Manchester United star has opened up on how he was forced to curb his partying habits after joining the Red Devils
Rio Ferdinand speaking on his podcast
Rio Ferdinand admitted he had to change his ways after joining Man Utd
(
Image: YouTube/Rio Ferdinand Presents)
News
Politics
Football
Celebs
TV
Strictly
Shopping
Royals
Ex-Manchester United ace Rio Ferdinand has shared how Sir Alex Ferguson cautioned him about his partying and drinking habits shortly after he joined the club.
Ferdinand became Britain's most expensive footballer when he moved from Leeds to the Red Devils in July 2002 for just over £30million. Despite growing into one of the most outstanding central defenders in the club's history, the 46-year-old has candidly discussed adjusting to the high professional standards at United on his podcast, Rio Ferdinand Presents.
The former England star revealed that his love for partying originated from his early days with West Ham. However, a reality check came swiftly after signing for Sir Alex, as he had to learn to strike a balance between his social life and professional commitments after the legendary Scot advised him to be mindful of his conduct.
In a conversation with Ste Howson and Joel Beya on the podcast, Dennis Rodman, the iconic Chicago Bulls basketball player known for his party-heavy lifestyle yet vital role in his team's success, came up. When Howson pondered who would fit that mould for United during Ferdinand's tenure, the ex-Leeds player admitted it would have been him, as per the Manchester Evening News.
'Nani threw me under the bus at Man Utd - Sir Alex Ferguson nearly exploded with anger'
[
'I was told to go f*** myself by Man Utd team-mate – that's when everything changed'](https://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/football/news/manchester-united-roy-keane-rooney-34276166)
"At one point it would be me (Being the 'Dennis Rodman of the team') as I loved it (Going on a night out) I loved it," Ferdinand said. "You have to remember that when I was at West Ham it was probably the worst environment to grow up in, it was 'win or lose, have a booze, if you draw, have some more'.
"The team bus on the way home was like a pub, it was unbelievable right, so everyone was drinking, smoking and me and Frank Lampard used to look back going 'one day we'll be back there with those guys' and then I go to Leeds and the professionalism jumps up, but we still went out.
"It was ok because there wasn't a game for 48-hours or more, so we went out at the 'right' times, but we went out and had good, solid all-dayers. Anyway then I signed with United and, I know from being with England that the United guys liked a drink, but they were really conditioned and professional at the right times, not crazy, like, doing it four times a week.
"So I get there and when I first signed I got injured in a pre-season game before the season started and I was out for six weeks. I went out every night, I wanted to see what the atmosphere was like, what the vibes were like. But the manager found out and slowed me down with one comment: 'you want to stay here? You better watch what you do.'"
Rio Ferdinand revealed that Sir Alex Ferguson had a word with him at United
(
Image:
Lars Baron/Bongarts/Getty Images)
Ferdinand secured an impressive six Premier League titles, two League Cups, and a Champions League victory with United. Yet, this remarkable collection of trophies might have been out of reach if he hadn't buckled down and taken his career seriously, taking cues from some of United's most dedicated players.
"I'd been going out four times a week for six weeks, right, and the people in the restaurants knew my name," Ferdinand added. "In the bars they knew me and I was getting tables, this that and the other, I really immersed myself in the culture of Manchester like you should do when you go to a new club.
"And then I realised if I wanted to be successful, as I'm going in half-cut when training starts thinking ' Gary Neville ain't going out, Scholesy (Paul Scholes) ain't going out, Roy's ( Roy Keane ) not going out, Ruud van Nistelrooy's not going out' and the sessions are sharp man, every day, I had to curb that and become much more professional, fit in with the guys, and then my game got better and I grew into a better player."
Join our new MAN UTD WhatsApp communityand receive your daily dose of Manchester United content from Mirror Football. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you're curious, you can read ourPrivacy Notice.