Sunderland's Anton Ferdinand promises Michael Jackson tribute if he scores

Ferdinand is planning to make a special tribute to the pop icon if he manages to score for the first time for Sunderland when their Premier League season starts after admitting that his death left him heart-broken. The former West Ham centre-half was on holiday when Jackson died in Los Angeles on June 25, just a couple of days before brother Rio's Caribbean wedding to Rebecca Ellison.  Related ArticlesCattermole sights on silverwareBolton v Sunderland match previewCattermole joins Sunderland'Bright future under Bruce'Quinn relishing season startSunderland target Distin"I'm pleased to get the season started after a busy summer," the former England Under-21 international said. "I went away with my girlfriend and we had a wonderful time, there was Rio' s wedding, which was great, but a sad thing was that my hero Michael Jackson died. "Me and Rio had it all arranged to meet Michael in London. I was 10 days away from meeting my idol when he died, and it broke my heart. "I've followed his career closely. He was an icon - if ever I am in a bad mood I can listen to one of his songs and I will be in a good mood again. "I have been contemplating a tribute to him if I score this season, but I'm not too sure it will work out. "I actually thought of putting a glove in my sock to pull out if I score, but it could be down there a couple of years, because I've not scored for a while." Now, with the help of new manager Steve Bruce, Ferdinand is aiming to raise his own game. "I always look back on my games - the things I do well and the things I could have done better," Ferdinand said. "I did a lot of that in the summer, but the new season starts here and now I'm looking forward. "We've got Steve Bruce in as manager, and he is well respected, someone who enjoys his football, and that shows with the way we have played in pre-season. "It has probably been the hardest pre-season I have ever done, but the most enjoyable one." He continued: "It's a fresh start for everyone. I am looking forward to pushing Sunderland to bigger and better things this season, and a good start to the season would give us something to build on. "I always feel I have something to prove - I will feel like that until I hang up my boots. "People will always see me as Rio's brother and measure me against someone who is the best defender in the world. It is something I have to deal with, but it's a good thing to deal with. "I still have a lot to prove, not just to other people, but to myself. I'm very determined and ambitious, and I want to show that for Sunderland this season." 

Source: Telegraph