"I have to get around in a wheelchair" - Rio Ferdinand admits to health issues

Football is a highly dangerous sport that can leave its mark on the body long after a player hangs up his boots.

Details: In an interview with the Mirror, 47-year-old former Manchester United and England defender Rio Ferdinand revealed that he is currently battling serious back problems and is often forced to use a wheelchair or remain confined to a hospital bed.

Ferdinand’s tough but illustrious career has taken a heavy toll on his health:

"My back has been hurting for a long time. I have injuries from my playing days... For six years, I was taking pills and getting injections just to play. It’s caught up with me. There are moments when the pain in my back is so intense that I have to spend a couple of days in hospital or in a wheelchair. It’s crazy, but the pain just comes out of nowhere," Ferdinand admitted.

Rio also confessed that he is currently undergoing treatment with a physiotherapist and is hopeful for improvement:

"For the first time since retiring, I started seeing a physio. He’s doing a ton of work and all sorts of things with me, and in the same building is my personal trainer, so he passes on information about my training. Now I take a holistic approach to what I do, and I hope it really helps me. Instead of fixing what’s broken, it’s better to prevent injuries. Now I know what I’m doing. But I’m 47 now. It took me this long to figure it out."

Rio Ferdinand is regarded as a true Manchester United legend. He spent over 12 years at the club, making a total of 455 appearances for the Red Devils, scoring 8 goals and providing 9 assists.

In July 2015, Rio Ferdinand announced his retirement from football and has since been working as a television pundit.

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