)
Ferdinand is the eighth Manchester United player to be inducted into the Hall of Fame, joining the likes of Eric Cantona, David Beckham, Wayne Rooney, Peter Schmeichel, Paul Scholes and Roy Keane.
Former Manchester United central defender Rio Ferdinand has been inducted into the Premier League Hall of Fame for the year 2023, joining the likes of Sir Alex Ferguson and Arsene Wenger as part of the class of inductees.
The 43-year-old, who won six Premier League titles with Manchester United won the public vote and was also selected by the Premier League Awards Panel, having been one of 15 players on the shortlist.
Ferdinand is the eighth Manchester United player to be inducted into the Hall of Fame, joining the likes of Eric Cantona, David Beckham, Wayne Rooney, Peter Schmeichel, Paul Scholes and Roy Keane.
During his career, he won the Premier League title six times, one UEFA Champions League and two League Cups, while also earning a spot in the PFA Premier League Team of the Year six times.
After learning of his induction, Ferdinand said, “As a defender, I'm not used to celebrating personal glory - we leave that to the midfielders and strikers."
"When you start your career, you never dream of how well things could turn out. 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.”
Ferdinand was part of the group of 15 shortlisted players, which also included Tony Adams, Ashley Cole, Gary Neville, Sol Campbell, Jermain Defoe, Michael Owen, Michael Carrick, Les Ferdinand, John Terry, Petr Cech, Yaya Toure, Andy Cole, Robbie Fowler, and Nemanja Vidic.
Rio Ferdinand joined Manchester United from Leeds United in 2002 for a record transfer fee, playing 504 games in the Premier League for United, West Ham United, Leeds, and Queens Park Rangers, with 189 clean sheets to his name.
)
Ferdinand's career spanned over 20 seasons in the Premier League and, in addition to his domestic and European successes, he also earned 81 caps for England, scoring three goals.
Ferdinand's final season with Manchester United was particularly memorable as he scored the last home goal of Sir Alex Ferguson's managerial reign in a late winner against Swansea City in 2013.
Reflecting on his career, Ferdinand said, “The last [Premier League title] with Sir Alex meant the most because it was his last one as well, and it was such a big moment."
"That title meant the most because a lot of people had doubted me going into that season. There was talk about me maybe going to Spurs, and I had a lot of injuries around that time as well."
"Then we had that season, and I played a lot of games. I got into the Premier League Team of the Season that year, and we won the league."
"Everyone says: 'Oh, it was the worst team that Sir Alex Ferguson had that won the league.' Bad teams don’t win Premier Leagues. That team knew how to grind and fight and could finish teams off."
The retired centre-back will be awarded a medallion engraved with his name and a £10,000 donation for a charity of his choice.
Related content
)
16:53 - 02.05.2023
Ex-Chelsea star makes bold Man United claim
Nemanja Matic speaks on Erik ten Hag's works so far at Manchester United, ant their prospects for next season.
)
13:33 - 02.05.2023
Former Manchester United midfielder makes bold Chelsea prediction ahead of next season
AS Roma midfielder Nemanja Matic has had his say regarding the state of things at Chelsea under the leadership of co-owner Todd Boehly.
)
17:55 - 02.05.2023
FOOTBALL Ronaldo ‘fed up’ with Al-Nassr and ‘wants to leave’ less than six months after joining
The Portuguese superstar is reportedly keen to depart from the Saudi club with Real Madrid ‘willing’ to offer him an ambassadorial role
)
18:12 - 30.04.2023
PREMIER LEAGUE Manchester United beat Aston Villa to strengthen Champions League bid
Victor Lindelof produced sensational defensive work as he kept Villa, especially Ollie Watkins and Douglas Luiz, at bay.
17:45 - 30.04.2023
FOOTBALL: ‘Full sale only’ - United fans protest against the Glazers before Aston Villa clash
The supporters voiced their displeasure towards the club’s owners as it emerged Jim Ratcliffe is the frontrunner following bid of over £5 billion
)
16:32 - 30.04.2023
WHAT'S BUZZIN 'Stop Moaning' - Reactions as fans single out Sancho and Bruno Fernandes moment in Man United win against Aston Villa
Red Devils fans have reacted to the tense moment between two first-team players in Man United's hard-fought win against Aston Villa in the Premier League.
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)