Manchester United To Honour Rio With Sevilla Game

[Folami David]

Rio Ferdinand will be honoured with a testimonial match for Manchester United against Spanish side Sevilla on August 9, the English Premier League champions announced on Monday.
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Ferdinand, who retired from international football earlier this year, joined United from rivals Leeds United in 2002 and last month agreed a one-year contract extension that will prolong his spell at Old Trafford into a 12th season.
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The 34-year-old has made 432 appearances for the club in all competitions, scoring eight goals, and his trophy haul with United includes six Premier League titles and the 2008 Champions League.
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"This is going to be a big night for me, as well as an emotional one," Ferdinand said in a statement.
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"I cannot believe where those 10 years have gone and I am lucky to have spent them here at Manchester United. This club is unique in every way.
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The history and drive of the place is unbelievable, it spurs everyone to succeed.
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"The fans are the best in the world, their commitment is amazing and I have appreciated their support throughout my career. I hope they enjoy the night as much as I intend to."
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Outgoing United manager Alex Ferguson, whose 26- and-a-half-year spell with the club came to an end this season, said it was fitting Ferdinand would be honoured for his services to the club.
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"He is one of the best central defenders this club has seen," said the Scot.
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"Rio has a natural ability to read the game and I said last month that I believed that this season has been the best of his Manchester United career.
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"It will be a fantastic night for him and the fans, but it also gets next season's campaign off to a great start."
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Ferguson will be officially succeeded by Everton manager David Moyes on July 1.