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Rio: My Decade as a Red
Over the last decade Rio Ferdinand has earned a reputation as one of the world's leading defenders, playing an integral part in the continued success of Manchester United Football Club.
Celebrating his ten years at Old Trafford in My Decade in Red , readers are taken on a visual journey, primarily through the period since Rio's record breaking transfer from Leeds United.
Featuring photographs from Rio's private collection, the book chronicles Rio's seminal moments both on and off the pitch, as well as featuring Rio's own unique insights and those of Sir Alex Ferguson.
The book is a visual and anecdotal gem.
Celebrating his ten years at Old Trafford in My Decade in Red , readers are taken on a visual journey, primarily through the period since Rio's record breaking transfer from Leeds United.
Featuring photographs from Rio's private collection, the book chronicles Rio's seminal moments both on and off the pitch, as well as featuring Rio's own unique insights and those of Sir Alex Ferguson.
The book is a visual and anecdotal gem.
375 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 7, 2013
1 person is currently reading
31 people want to read
About the author
Rio Ferdinand
6 books3 followersRio Gavin Ferdinand (born 7 November 1978) is an English footballer. He plays at centre back for Manchester United in the Premier League and at the international level for the England national football team. He has achieved 70 caps for the English national team while being selected for three FIFA World Cup squads. He is currently the vice-captain of the England national team and stand-in captain for Manchester United.
Known for his physical presence and composure on the ball, Ferdinand began his football career playing for various youth teams, finally settling at West Ham United where he progressed through the youth ranks and made his professional Premier League debut in 1996. He became a fan favourite, winning the 'Hammer of the Year award' the following season. He earned his first senior international cap in a match against Cameroon in 1997, setting a record as the youngest defender to play for England at the time. His achievements and footballing potential attracted Leeds United and he transferred to the club for a record-breaking fee of £18 million. He spent two seasons at the club, becoming the team captain in 2001.
He joined Manchester United in July 2002 for around £30 million, breaking the transfer fee record once more. He won the Premier League, his first major club honour, in a successful first season at the club. He missed a drugs test and was banned from competition for eight months, causing him to miss half a Premier League season and the Euro 2004 international competition. Upon his return, he established himself in the Manchester United first team and received plaudits for his performances, featuring in the PFA Team of the Year three times in four years. More club success followed with another Premier League win in the 2006–07 season and a Premier League and UEFA Champions League double the following year. His importance to the national team was underlined in March 2008 when Ferdinand captained England for the first time.
Ferdinand has two sons, Lorenz and Tate, with his fiancée Rebecca Ellison. His family is known for footballing prowess: brother Anton Ferdinand is also a centre back and former England international Les Ferdinand is his cousin. Off the pitch he is involved with music and television including the brief prank series Rio's World Cup Wind-Ups.
Known for his physical presence and composure on the ball, Ferdinand began his football career playing for various youth teams, finally settling at West Ham United where he progressed through the youth ranks and made his professional Premier League debut in 1996. He became a fan favourite, winning the 'Hammer of the Year award' the following season. He earned his first senior international cap in a match against Cameroon in 1997, setting a record as the youngest defender to play for England at the time. His achievements and footballing potential attracted Leeds United and he transferred to the club for a record-breaking fee of £18 million. He spent two seasons at the club, becoming the team captain in 2001.
He joined Manchester United in July 2002 for around £30 million, breaking the transfer fee record once more. He won the Premier League, his first major club honour, in a successful first season at the club. He missed a drugs test and was banned from competition for eight months, causing him to miss half a Premier League season and the Euro 2004 international competition. Upon his return, he established himself in the Manchester United first team and received plaudits for his performances, featuring in the PFA Team of the Year three times in four years. More club success followed with another Premier League win in the 2006–07 season and a Premier League and UEFA Champions League double the following year. His importance to the national team was underlined in March 2008 when Ferdinand captained England for the first time.
Ferdinand has two sons, Lorenz and Tate, with his fiancée Rebecca Ellison. His family is known for footballing prowess: brother Anton Ferdinand is also a centre back and former England international Les Ferdinand is his cousin. Off the pitch he is involved with music and television including the brief prank series Rio's World Cup Wind-Ups.
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Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews
March 2, 2025
10 years - mostly successful ones - in the Utd career of one of their finest centre backs. The highs, the lows, the trophies and the team-mates are all affectionately recalled in detail by Mr Ferdinand.
Even if you're not a Utd fan, this will still be a great read.
Recommend it even to Liverpool fans 😂
Even if you're not a Utd fan, this will still be a great read.
Recommend it even to Liverpool fans 😂
January 1, 2024
"My Decade in Red" by Rio Ferdinand provides a firsthand account of the footballer's journey during his time with Manchester United. The book chronicles his experiences, triumphs, and challenges during a pivotal period for both the player and the club.
Ferdinand's narrative is marked by an earnest and candid tone, offering readers a personal perspective on his career. The book delves into key moments, including major victories and setbacks, providing insights into the world of professional football. For fans of Manchester United or those interested in football memoirs, the book offers a behind-the-scenes look at life on and off the pitch.
However, some readers may find the narrative somewhat predictable or lacking in profound reflections. While Ferdinand shares anecdotes and highlights, there may be a desire for a deeper exploration of his thoughts and emotions during critical junctures. The book's focus on his Manchester United years could be limiting for those seeking a more comprehensive autobiography.
The writing style is accessible, aligning with Ferdinand's down-to-earth personality. The book balances football anecdotes with glimpses into his personal life, providing a well-rounded narrative. Nevertheless, the prose may lack the literary flair or introspective depth found in some other sports memoirs.
In summary, "My Decade in Red" is a suitable read for football enthusiasts, especially those with an affinity for Manchester United. While it captures key moments in Rio Ferdinand's career, it might leave some readers wishing for a more introspective and nuanced exploration of the challenges and triumphs that defined this chapter of his life.
Ferdinand's narrative is marked by an earnest and candid tone, offering readers a personal perspective on his career. The book delves into key moments, including major victories and setbacks, providing insights into the world of professional football. For fans of Manchester United or those interested in football memoirs, the book offers a behind-the-scenes look at life on and off the pitch.
However, some readers may find the narrative somewhat predictable or lacking in profound reflections. While Ferdinand shares anecdotes and highlights, there may be a desire for a deeper exploration of his thoughts and emotions during critical junctures. The book's focus on his Manchester United years could be limiting for those seeking a more comprehensive autobiography.
The writing style is accessible, aligning with Ferdinand's down-to-earth personality. The book balances football anecdotes with glimpses into his personal life, providing a well-rounded narrative. Nevertheless, the prose may lack the literary flair or introspective depth found in some other sports memoirs.
In summary, "My Decade in Red" is a suitable read for football enthusiasts, especially those with an affinity for Manchester United. While it captures key moments in Rio Ferdinand's career, it might leave some readers wishing for a more introspective and nuanced exploration of the challenges and triumphs that defined this chapter of his life.
Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews