Manchester United FC

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Rio desperate for Rome spot

21 May 2009 - 08:06:00

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Defender Rio Ferdinand is determined to prove his fitness to secure a starting spot for Manchester United's Champions League final against Barcelona.

The 30-year-old England international has missed United's last three games due to a calf injury and has been warned that he has to feature against Hull City this weekend to be in line to start against Barca in Rome.

Ferdinand commented: "I've not thought about not playing in the final. It's as simple as that, no chance.

"I trained with the ball on Wednesday and did some running, so I'm doing all the movements I need to be doing before a game.

"This has been perhaps the hardest and most important injury battle of my career. There is so much at stake.

"I haven't even thought much about the actual details of the final. I've been so engrossed in my injury that I haven't thought about much else.

"I'll start thinking about the actual match when I'm sitting on the plane to Rome.

"You'll have to ask the manager if I'm playing, but physically I'd be able to do it, no problem."