Man Utd icon Ferdinand dashed to NHS hospital with back injury before missing BT Sport show to leave patients stunned

RIO FERDINAND missed BT Sport's Champions League coverage recently, after having to rush to his local NHS hospital.

The Manchester United legend made the dash to his nearest clinic after pain from an old back injury became unbearable.

Ferdinand, 42, was forced to spend five days in hospital as doctors sought to ease his pain.

Further tests are required to fully diagnose his current issue.

During his stay, The Athletic reveal that starstruck fellow patients asked the former England stalwart for selfies.

Ferdinand joined BT Sport's coverage of Man United's 3-2 win over Atalanta from home, before rejoining their studio coverage for the latest round of games.

He is still dogged by pain as he walks, however, as he waits for a more long-term solution.

He was pictured over Halloween in a wheelchair – but still seemed in good spirits as he dressed up as the Grim Reaper for a spooky party.

Ferdinand revealed the trouble that back issues caused him during the tail end of his career.

He said: "Half the goals people scored against me wouldn’t have gone in if I was fit.

“When I hit 30, my whole football life changed because of my back.

"You don’t make a song and dance about it when you’re playing because it’s an excuse.

"You don’t wanna be seen like that, but my back was savage.”

Ferdinand played just 14 Premier League games during his final year at Man United, before joining QPR for an ill-fated spell in 2014 – retiring a year later.

The Londoner has made no secret of his close relationship with current Old Trafford star and former team-mate Cristiano Ronaldo.

He even admitted that they 'text most days'.

⚽ Read our Football news live blog for the very latest rumours, gossip and done deals

Source: Read Full Article