© EuroFootball.com
Not so long ago, the vast majority of football fans, when asked what the name Ferdinand means to them, would answer without hesitation - it is Rio Ferdinand, a team defender. However, the situation has changed.
Back in 2002, when the unknown Anton Ferdinand signed a contract with a team also in the elite of the old continent, R. Ferdinand became the most expensive defender on the planet, clashing with the "Red Devils". After four years, A. Ferdinand, who played a fantastic season, is preparing for the prestigious Football Association (FA) cup final, while his brother, although playing fairly reliably, is often called slightly overrated.
Despite such a leap in his career, not everything goes so smoothly for the young Anton.
"When I went to sign a contract with West Ham, I felt a bit strange, as I didn't enjoy playing the football I was playing," A. Ferdinand recalled in an interview with BBC television. - It was difficult. I told my dad that I wasn't sure if it was worth taking football seriously.
"I can sing, play drums, piano, but my father advised me to continue my football career, because music will always follow along."
And, not avoiding hard work, led by Glenn Roeder, and now Alan Pardew, 21-year-old A. Ferdinand has become one of the most reliable and improved defenders in the English Premier League, attracting the attention of European super clubs.
"Playing against top-class attackers not only forces you to try and improve to the best of your ability, but also greatly enhances concentration. I have worked hard in training, but I don't intend to stop, because you must always strive to improve."
So, have the talented brothers become rivals?
"Rio is the player I watch the most," Anton said. - We are very close, often communicate by phone and never stop laughing and joking.
Which of you is faster? - journalists ask impatiently. "I am," the young defender answered without hesitation. - Rio may be faster, but I run definitely faster.
"Now people know me as Anton Ferdinand, not Rio's brother. The media compares us, but people have started to appreciate my individual performance more."
The promising defender did not make it to the national team, which will participate in the World Cup taking place in Germany, but experts have no doubt - after a few years A. Ferdinand will become a serious pillar of the elite team of his football homeland.
"Since childhood, together with my brother, we dreamed of playing in the midfield defense line of the England team. It would be an incredible event not only for us, but also for our parents. I am now only 21 years old, so I have to work hard and strive to break into the national team."
Could the talented musician be preparing to write a song for the World Cup?
"Perhaps, but I hope to play there first," A. Ferdinand smiled.
