The big interview: Rio Ferdinand – "On my first day at United I could hear Solskjaer saying: 'How much? Thirty million? What?!'"

Is it right you were so good at ballet as a kid that you won a scholarship to London’s School of Ballet? How did that go down with your mates on the estate in Peckham?!
Don Berry, via Facebook
That’s right. At first I didn’t tell my mates because they would have ripped me all day long. I just told them I was doing drama. I did it for two years, then in my third year I told my mates. I was one of the lads anyway and they were fine to be fair to them. It was a big commitment though because it used to take me two hours to get there and I had to go three times a week. Then I got to a point where my dad said, “Do you want to be a footballer or a ballet dancer? You have to make a decision because it’s taking up too much of your time.” Luckily I chose football! But the ballet had a good effect on my career because of the flexibility, strength and balance you learn.

FACT FILE

Date of birth: November 7, 1978

Height: 6ft 2in

Place of birth: Peckham, London

Thank you for reading 5 articles this month* Join now for unlimited access

Enjoy your first month for just £1 / $1 / €1

*Read 5 free articles per month without a subscription

Join now for unlimited access

Try first month for just £1 / $1 / €1