Source: PA
Ferdinand: United will miss Neville humour
Rio Ferdinand is the latest big-name Manchester United player to heap praise on retired team-mate Gary Neville.
The veteran right-back quit the game earlier this month and has already started working with United's academy players in an effort to complete his coaching badges before deciding what to do with the remainder of his life.
Neville acquired the reputation of being a militant presence in the dressing room - he advocated strike action over Ferdinand's omission from an England squad immediately after it was revealed the centre-half had failed to turn up to a drugs testing session, which ultimately saw him landed with an eight-month ban.
However, Ferdinand has seen a different side to Neville and he accepts the full-back, who celebrates his 36th birthday on Friday, will be missed around Old Trafford.
"Gary was tremendous," said Ferdinand. "He had great determination and drive and could deliver fantastic crosses. I remember the first time I joined up with an England squad, Gary would be doing his own stretches while the manager was talking to the players before training.
"People used to take the Mickey out of him for that. But it just shows you the length he would go to in order to maximise his potential. That sort of behaviour earned him a reputation as somebody who was very serious. But he was a really funny bloke and we will miss him in the dressing room."
