It’s hard not to like Rio Ferdinand. He is a big-time player with an even bigger personality, one of the best defenders to ever grace the EPL. His new autobiography, #2Sides, is an honest and upfront account of Ferdinand’s illustrious career.
With the help of author David Winner, Ferdinand takes us through the current issues of global football along with the controversy and acclaim that defined his very career. He doesn’t shy away from any topic, sharing his side of the story on a number of items including the John Terry racism trial and the troubled tenure of David Moyes at Man U.
Ferdinand shares his heartfelt emotions when talking about not being able to shake Champions League losses to Barcelona and being turned away at Old Trafford after an epic run with the Red Devils. He also talked about his roots, his family, and returning to where it all began with Harry Redknapp and QPR.
We enjoyed his take on the Messi vs. Ronaldo debate and why there aren’t more minority coaches in professional football. Ferdinand always seems to have his pulse on the game and this book obviously reflects that. The fact that Winner, the author of Brilliant Orange: The Neurotic Genius of Dutch Football, is also involved is a major selling point. The book reads well and is an absolute joy from cover to cover.
Perhaps the best part is the discussion of his time with the national team in England. He gives the reader a behind-the-scenes look into the national team program through several different managers. Each left their mark, both good and bad.
We were most impressed with his admiration and respect for Sir Alex Ferguson. No one has been able to put this to words before, but Ferdinand nailed it. He was able to explain the little things Ferguson did to motivate, inspire, and lead his players like no other.
Simply put, #2Sides is an absolute must-read for any football fan, whether you like Manchester United or not. It is a great title that captures the spirit of the game and what it takes to be the very best. We developed a whole new respect for Ferdinand and his career after reading this one.
