Former son of West Ham, Rio Ferdinand has confirmed he has been asked to play at Mark Noble’s testimonial at Easter.
Speaking on his official twitter Rio said: “Just been asked to play in Mark Noble testimonial, to play at Upton Park for the last time ever, such a special place,special fans #MN16“
Originally scouted by Frank Lampard senior, Rio progressed through the West Ham youth team ranks, earning a professional contract and a place in the first team squad in the process. On 5th May 1996, he made his senior team debut, as he came on as a substitute for Tony Cottee in the Hammers’ last game of the season, a 1–1 home draw against Sheffield Wednesday. During the 1997–98 season, Ferdinand won the Hammer of the Year award at the young age of 19.
In November 2000 he joined Leeds for £18m after playing 127 times for the Hammers.