Rio to play at the Boleyn Ground one last time

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.