Rio - Rio Ferdinand

Rio Ferdinand is widely acknowledged as one of the most talented defenders in the world. His transfer from West Ham to Leeds set a British record, a feat he repeated with his subsequent move to Manchester United. Ferdinand's success on the pitch has been meteoric - including high drama in the Champions League, a World Cup (where, in 2002, he was the outstanding English player) and a dramatic Premiership victory. He is set to be a key member of the England team that will challenge for the World Cup in 2006.

If success on the pitch has kept Ferdinand on the back pages, his off-pitch story has made him a regular on the front pages. Here for the very first time, Ferdinand reveals all about his infamous missed drugs test, the controversies surrounding both his transfers, his supposed reluctance to re-sign for United in 2005, the alleged tapping-up meeting with Chelsea's Peter Kenyon and various sex, driving and anti-social behaviour scandals. Beyond the football, Ferdinand's personal story will also fascinate. Here he discusses his upbringing in Peckham, his work with young offenders and his music label which provides unique opportunities for underprivileged youths.