In a stunning revelation that will send shockwaves through English football, former Manchester United and England defender Rio Ferdinand has disclosed he was formally approached to become the Three Lions' manager—and turned it down.
The Mirror can exclusively reveal that Ferdinand, now a prominent pundit, was sounded out for the national team's top job following the departure of Sam Allardyce in 2016. The approach came not during the much-publicised search for Gareth Southgate's predecessor, but significantly later.
'Lacked Footballing Intellect' - Ferdinand's Damning Verdict
Ferdinand's reasoning for rejecting what many would consider the ultimate honour in English football is both candid and damning. The 45-year-old expressed serious reservations about the composition of the Football Association's decision-making panel.
'I just didn't think they would have entrusted me with the job in the way I would have wanted to be entrusted,' Ferdinand explained on his FIVE podcast. His chief concern centred on those who would be judging his potential success. 'The people that were making the decisions I wasn't convinced were football people, if I'm honest.'
This lack of what he perceived as 'footballing intellect' at the highest level of the FA's hierarchy ultimately proved to be the deal-breaker for the ambitious former centre-back.
From Pitch to Punditry: A New Life in Dubai
Instead of pursuing a management career in the volatile world of international football, Ferdinand has charted a radically different course. He has successfully transitioned into football agency, co-founding the sports agency New Era alongside his agent wife, Kate.
The couple have since relocated to Dubai, embracing a new lifestyle far from the pressures of the English game. Ferdinand has been vocal about the positive impact the move has had on his family's wellbeing, often highlighting the benefits of life in the United Arab Emirates.
A Management Dream Deferred, Not Abandoned
Despite his rejection of the England role, Ferdinand hasn't completely closed the door on management. He has previously expressed a desire to take charge of a club where he could implement a long-term project, akin to Mikel Arteta's project at Arsenal or Erik ten Hag's rebuild at Manchester United.
His vision involves a patient, philosophy-driven approach, a stark contrast to the short-termism often prevalent in modern football. For now, however, his focus remains on his media work and his burgeoning agency business from his base in the Middle East.
The revelation adds a fascinating 'what if' chapter to recent English football history, suggesting the FA's search for a manager may have extended to more unconventional candidates than previously known.
