Agent: England ace Rio Ferdinand feels 'cursed' after being ruled out of World Cup
Rio Ferdinand(credit:
Wikipedia)
Devastated Rio Ferdinand believes he is “cursed” after a knee injury ended his World Cup dream, according to his agent.
The 31-year Manchester United defender damaged knee ligaments in a collision with Emile Heskey during England’s very first training session on South African soil.
And Ferdinand, whose recent Premier League campaign was blighted by a back injury, is facing up to six weeks out, meaning he will miss the tournament.
Agent Pin Zahavi told The Sun: “Rio said, ‘I think somebody cursed me.’ That is honestly how he feels.
“Rio is very down. He cannot understand why this has happened to him.
“The injury is nothing to with the ones he had before. It is completely different and it is very bad luck. Rio was feeling sharp and was ready for the World Cup.
“He has waited so long for this tournament and to try and help England win it. He had prepared himself so well. But he is a very strong man and he will be back.
“I’m sure he will be leading England in four years time at the next World Cup.”
In Ferdinand's absence, Bet365 have made Ledley King an 11/10 favourite to start alongside John Terry in the centre of England's defence.
Spokesman Steve Freeth said: "Rio’s absence is a body blow for England and all eyes are now on who will partner John Terry in central defence.
“Ledley King didn’t have the best game against Mexico and the lack of pace without Ferdinand has to be a worry for Capello.”
Who will partner John Terry against the United States:
Ledley King 11/10
Jamie Carragher 13/8
Matthew Upson 11/2
Michael Dawson 8/1