Out with the old....It is shame he did not get a proper OT send-off. I will say that to the standard football fan, Vida is on a higher level than Rio.
Agreed - the average fan would think so. And I understand that there are still those out there that hold the drug test and the Chelsea tap-up against him - but who the hell doesn't make mistakes when they were young? Rio was 12 years younger - 24 years old when he joined. It was incredibly stupid (although the FA had their fair share with the drug test), but ever since then he has never wavered. There is a distinct lack of class shown here. I know how desperate the club wants to jettison Moyes' memory, the taint of this season, but to lump some of these players in with that memory shows how short a memory some people have in world football.
It was clear to everyone that Vidic was leaving and it was his last game at Home. Decision regarding Rio hadn't been made from either end. He also still had his Kids as those leading the team out and ambassadors for the Sunderland game, so Giggs organized that as a potential farewell to him. Has had his testimonial last summer too. Anyway, for all we know Giggs and Evra could end up leaving without a real clear goodbye match as well.
Sad about the way the club has treated Rio. I think outside of Giggs, Rio of our active players was the most qualified to mentor and coach up young talent. Given a game every 10 days, taking it easy in training and focus on coaching, he would have helped us great deal.
The decision was about as "mutual" as Vidas was, only in the other direction. Also bollocks that the decision wasnt or couldnt have been made a whole four days earlier.
Lol. Apparently his goodbye was being put in charge of the club's Instagram yesterday. That seems about right for the times.
I have to wonder how much of this sudden and harsh disconnect was some leftover resentment from SAF? Sir Alex has never been a big fan of Rio (as one can see with him never getting the armband), and I would assume that is down to the lifestyle he leads, maybe the drug test thing. It'd be interesting to see if since SAF has been acting in some sort of "GM" role for the club, and Rio being the one who really turned public dogs on Moyes (the line-up announcement issue in early September), this was some final 'judgement call' from Sir Alex.
Rio got the armband but he was always injured so they took it away. This was before Vidic and after Giggs. If he didn't like Rio why wouldn't he just sell him? It was a football decision, imo. Nothing personal or vindictive
http://www1.skysports.com/football/...-has-agreed-a-deal-to-join-newly-promoted-qpr good luck there Rio
http://www1.skysports.com/football/...dinand-announces-his-retirement-from-football thanks fot everything Rio. legend. you have to think the wife passing also played a part in this
Happy retirement red legend, hope we see him back at the club in some capacity - his knowledge and most of all his enthusiasm shouldnt go to waste.
The end of an era. I can still remember how excited I was when we signed him back in 02, blond hair and all. Memories... Good luck to him and I agree with @Sofabloke , it'd be great to have him back at the club.
A club legend. The best defender I have ever watched play. Made it seem so smooth. I hope we bring him back as a defensive coach.
One of my all-time favorite players, and the best center back of his generation. Would love him back at the club once he has cleared his head a bit and had time with his family.
Longevity over Stam; no personal problems like McGrath, clearly better than Vidic, Pallister, Bruce. Certainly the best in the modern era.
For me, he was the best centre-half in Manchester United history. He will go down as one of the all-time greats, not just in his position, but in all of football. Such an amazing player who will always be under appreciated. I will never forget how he dominated his area of the pitch and formed one of the all-time great CB pairings with Nemanja Vidic. It's sad to see him retire as it closes the book on an era of football that I grew up watching. He has won everything in the club game and he has always done it with class. I hope he has a wonderful post-playing career and that his life in retirement is even better than his life as a player was.
white suit and earring too. then came the braids and the famous top of the pile celebrations i'll find better ones later
i don't think Rio coaches or does anything for now. again given the recent passing of his wife he will probably spend time with his two or three kids. think it's three though
Nice to see that the club tweeted. From what I have read about him, Rio isn't the kind to retire quietly - he just has too much energy. Plus everyone handles bereavement differently. He still has his Red #5 business and his media work. Just hope that those still at the club who worked with him such as Giggs and SAF and the marketing / MUtv folks keep in contact in case something mutually agreeable can be done. Manchester UnitedVerified account@ManUtd One of the best defenders to wear the #mufc shirt. Good luck in your retirement, @rioferdy5: http://bit.ly/1HZpRgI One of the best defenders to wear the #mufc shirt. Good luck in your retirement, @rioferdy5: http://t.co/fgVGJMx7D9 pic.twitter.com/ot62Yf1i3i— Manchester United (@ManUtd) May 30, 2015