Rio Ferdinand is beginning to feel his age as injuries kick in, he told club channel MUTV. Ferdinand, whose languid playing style has often been compared to legend Paolo Maldini, said that he cannot see himself matching the Italian and playing into his 40s after suffering a series of back injuries last season.
“You could not play to 41 in the Premier League,” he told MUTV. “Games are a lot slower in Italy and they don’t play as many. When anyone comes here from another country they always say they can’t believe how fast it is. It takes a couple of years off your career.”
Ferdinand, who has been suffering with a thigh injury, said he expects to be fit in time for United’s away game against Tottenham at White Hart Lane on September 12. He has missed all of United’s games this season after picking up the knock in training prior to the Community Shield.
“I had never been injured before last season,” said Ferdinand. “I still played 45 games but it was the first time I have had time off and I found it really frustrating.”