Rio Ferdinand has revealed the extent of the back problems that continue to affect his life after football, admitting he regularly ends up in hospital and has even needed to use a wheelchair.
The former Manchester United and England defender, who built his reputation as one of the game’s finest centre-backs, said the issue is serious enough to disrupt his day-to-day routine. Ferdinand explained that the damage to his back has left him reliant on specialist care at times, and he has been forced into hospital on a regular basis as he manages the condition.
Ferdinand also disclosed that there have been moments when his mobility has been so limited that he has had to use a wheelchair. The revelation underlines the physical toll of a top-level career, even for players who appeared to glide through matches at the peak of their powers.
Now working in the media following his retirement, Ferdinand’s comments offered a stark reminder that the impact of elite sport does not always end with a player’s final game, with the 45-year-old still dealing with the consequences of injuries picked up during his time at the highest level.
