Tuesday, March 25, 2008

Rio Ferdinand: England Captain, Rap Idol

Category: Player News

Manchester United’s Rio Ferdinand has been given the captain’s armband by Fabio Capello for England’s friendly against France tomorrow night.  Do you think he was the right choice?

Both John Terry and Steven Gerrard were in with a good chance at getting the job, but t’was not to be. Capello says he wants to use the non-crucial matches to test out a variety of players in the role.

Rio’s definitely a multi-talented, multi-tasking footie dude.  Aside from ‘merking’ the crap out of his mates, hiring hottie selectors and interviewing Diddy, Rio is setting up a Rap Idol fundraising competition with a stack of celebrities getting involved. The show (organised through Rio’s company, Next Generation TV & Film) has already signed on Coleen McLoughlin, Jordan (Katie Price), Chris Moyles, Amir Khan, John Barnes, Jimmy Carr and Shane Richie. 

Hopefully a list of actual celebrities will be released soon.  Naomi Campbell, Mark Ronson and Wayne Rooney have been requested.

Side note: If Coleen McLoughlin takes to the stage to throw down any form of rap, lyrical wizardry or spoken word performance, we’ll lose our minds – and wallets.

51 Responses to “Rio Ferdinand: England Captain, Rap Idol”

1. Alexandra says:

   August 13, 2008 at 09:21

   Pussycat is right. We should stop talking about facts that happened like 5 years ago. The problem is that he keeps doing mistakes
2. Pavi says:

   March 26, 2008 at 12:21

   I like the idea of Capello rotating captains for a while to see who he wants. When I first saw that Ferdinand was going to be the captain I wasn’t happy about it but mostly because I’m partial to Stevie.  But I think it’s okay to test out different players for captain during the friendlies. 

   I like the idea of Hargreaves as captain too because he seems like he could keep his cool during the match.  I would also like to see Gareth Barry as captain for a match to see if he could handle the pressure on the international stage.
3. lose that girl says:

   March 26, 2008 at 07:54

   I have to second TFO’s stance on the whole Hargreaves situ. I’m a very proud Canadian and in no way do I feel snubbed by Owen’s decision to play internationally for England instead of Canada. We don’t have an international side worth playing for…they never make it into the big tournaments so he would never get the chance to play for his country *really*.

   Hargreaves had to go where his skills could grow and where he’d have a chance to play for a career. Sorry, but Canada just wasn’t going to offer this type of opportunity. I would love it if our country had enough quality players to field a team that could take on England, Portugal, etc but it definitely won’t happen for a very long time.

   My family is from English/Scottish background…two generations back and we had a very English home…yorkshire pudding every Sunday, various UK traditions held over that I still do in my home today. Hargreaves parents moved to Canada before he was born so their links to the home country are even closer than mine so I completely see how he’d have very strong ties to England – it’s not a sham, it’s legit.

   If toiling for 10 years in Germany is not being loyal and being a turn-coat, I don’t know what paying your dues and being loyal is.
4. Roxanne says:

   March 26, 2008 at 05:49

   nonononono…..

   John Terry should’ve been picked ….

   
5. MrsXabiAlonso says:

   March 26, 2008 at 05:36

   I don’t know why but I have now gone from being OK with Rio being captain to actually pretty pleased by it. I have a feeling he will be good and I hope he gets more than this one friendly to prove his worth.

   And Hargreaves proved his worth for England when he went out there in the world cup and was the only player to show passion for his country!!! I like him now, only as a footballer tho, in looks? no way!!

   So excited about tonights game!!!!!!
   En-geeeer-and!!!!! En-geeeeeeer-land!!!! 
6. Gigi says:

   March 26, 2008 at 04:55

   Chelsea had their chance, then Liverpool, and now it is our chance to shine with our brilliant defender captaining the boys.  Good going Rio.
7. brandy, aka CR's Official Mistress in Perpetuity : says:

   March 25, 2008 at 12:52

   Sorry girls, I don’t feel or understand the Hargreaves love. There is just something very turn-coaty and spineless about him in my eyes. Not a good quality in a captain. Not to mention that he is never match fit, as is the case with Owen, unfortunately, otherwise I think he would be a good choice.

   I am just soooooo glad that it is not Terry anymore!

   I guess we shall soon see….

   Wait, Colleen will be rapping or judging. Please say judging, as her rapping could make my head explode!!!!!!!!
8. Johnna says:

   March 25, 2008 at 12:52

   I would die inside to see Coleen bust out rapping. Bonus points if white boy Wayne gets up there as well. *dies*
9. Pussycat says:

   March 25, 2008 at 12:39

   I think that the testing out of captains can have a major downside. How are these guys supposed to settle in and feel comfortable in the captains role after only one match? I think it’s pretty obvious that it takes at least a couple of days/weeks to get in and feel comfotble and able to perform as captain. It’s like rotating Rafa – it’s easy to say if you know you’ve only got one shot do it for all it’s worth but I think it’s actually much more difficult than that. Or maybe that’s who Cappello is looking for – the person who can pick up the reins and run with them with only one chance.
10. cheryl bites says:

    March 25, 2008 at 12:29

    This vile, gormless thug is an entirely appropriate choice for the post.

    (Is from Leeds, therefore not entirely free from bias.)
11. lose that girl says:

    March 25, 2008 at 12:28

    klyn312 – thanks for the midday treat (except for photo #3—a bit too young and his hair is just not happening).

    LOVE the others!!! 

    Thank you very very much.
12. nicky xxx says:

    March 25, 2008 at 12:20

    i agree with you mrsXA about liking fabio testing out new captains..xoxo

    althouh i dont realy like the fact that Rio is a contender…sorry Rio fans xxx
13. klyn312 says:

    March 25, 2008 at 12:18

    you mean more like THIS? 

    http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d25/klyn312/OwenHargreaves9.jpg
    http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d25/klyn312/owenhargreaves2.jpg
    http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d25/klyn312/Hargreaves7.jpg
14. carly says:

    March 25, 2008 at 12:06

    Well, I saw footage of the training today and Rio looked HOT, that’s all I want to say

    
15. lose that girl says:

    March 25, 2008 at 11:56

    yes, I’d like to see MORE of Hargreaves too.

    Rio’s wearing of the arm band is for one game only—so much like Gerrard, it’s as a test.

    The real question is: does Fabio know how to speak English yet?
16. Becca x says:

    March 25, 2008 at 11:48

    Right so let me get this straight… Fabio Capello, has taken the captaincy off John Terry (be it for just one game) Who yes, has had a few affairs (apparently) which has nothing to do with football. And given it to Rio Ferdinand who was banned for 8 monthsor something for missing a drugs test. I Dont Think Its the Best Idea In The World.
17. klyn312 says:

    March 25, 2008 at 11:47

    yes yes yes!! I completely take back the whole “marketability” comment from yesterday..
    YAY RIO!! YAY RIO!!
    Isupport the possibility of Hargreaves, but I would really like to see more of him this season. (I, however, DO NOT want to jinx the scholes/carrick/anderson magic that has been happening lately!!)

    oh yeah, and Owen IS quite a cutie, so that is a plus right there!
18. MrsXabiAlonso says:

    March 25, 2008 at 11:26

    John Barnes + Rapping = Geniusness!!!!

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XnUh5LlrPZ4

    I never miss an oppotunity to watch this again!!!! LOVE IT
19. Sarah x says:

    March 25, 2008 at 11:26

    My Poor John
    I Think Hes Better Than Anyone :p
20. MrsXabiAlonso says:

    March 25, 2008 at 11:19

    I like the idea of testing out different players for captain. And like pussycat, I was suprised that I’m ok with Rio being this games. I did love him at Leeds and my sisters have met him!!! Was very jealous at the time, now not so much. But overall good choice Capello.

    About the Rap Idol, Oooooh I cannot wait to seethat. I am a bit confused about the celebrities role’s tho.  Can’t really see Jimmy Carr or Jordan rapping or knowing anything about rap music!!
21. jax says:

    March 25, 2008 at 11:04

    Ah, feeling the Hargreaves love too. Very frustrating that he has been injured and hasn’t shown us alot more of what he can do.He would be a fab captain, very experienced and smart – no dodgy off-field escapades, no prima donna tendencies and even a decent non-tarty Wag.

    Until Fabio realizes this glaring omission I suppse Rio would do – anyone but John Terry. I quite like Chelsea but he definitely does himself no favours with his off field antics. I know it shouldn’t really matter what he does off the pitch but I think as England captain a example should be set and he is way below the bench mark.
22. lose that girl says:

    March 25, 2008 at 10:52

    Unfortunately, Hargreaves gets forgotten about—and the whole Canadian thing didn’t help (as a Canadian, I found it offensive, but whatever!).

    He’s never been red carded…works his cute butt off and knows the game inside and out.

    Yes, TFO, he’s dreamy alright. He could tackle me anytime!

    As for Rio, he doesn’t avoid confronting his team-mates (hello, Stevie G!), and his performance on the pitch is consistently bang on. And his hair is better now too!
23. Pussycat says:

    March 25, 2008 at 10:39

    I am actually ok with this choice which surprises the crap out of me. If he can behave off-pitch he wouldn’t make a bad captain…he seems to have the physicality and presence that might get the English boys off their respective arses.
    Now no more skanky parties!
24. The Fourth Official says:

    March 25, 2008 at 10:37

    Hargreaves will be an excellent choice, if he can stay healthy, and get more caps, lose that girl.  He has plenty of European experience playing for Bayern, and he has a focused, determined personality, but without the Rooney curse words. I’m thinking of a Hargreaves vid.  He’s just so very very dreamy.
25. lose that girl says:

    March 25, 2008 at 10:23

    Yay, Rio!

    I think his selection is an excellent choice. If JT with all his shenanigans can be captain, I don’t see why Rio can’t!!

    Like TFO and many others mentioned, there’s not a ton of choice so it’s a good idea to test out the few that are capable.

    Okay, I AM biased but Hargreaves would have been a good choice too. He keeps his cool and carries himself in such a manner that exudes class—he just needs to get on the pitch! Enough of the bench warming!!!
26. The Fourth Official says:

    March 25, 2008 at 10:20

    Well, we covered this a bit yesterday, but I’ll just say that I’m glad he’s been given a chance.  He has worn the armband for United on many occasions.  Do us proud, Rio!
27. Pussycat says:

    March 25, 2008 at 10:00

    Free on friday on setanta in case anyone cares.
28. Pussycat says:

    March 25, 2008 at 09:57

    Never mind, its pay per view. Useless!
29. Pussycat says:

    March 25, 2008 at 09:54

    Does anyone in the US know if we’re going to get to see the match? I have setanta and fsc but neither seem to be showing the match.
30. Pussycat says:

    March 25, 2008 at 09:31

    I am shocked. I just saw Rio speaking on Setanta news and he was not unintelligent sounding! And he used big words like ‘illustrious’ and in the right context!
    I don’t mind the drug thing in 2003 as that was 5 years ago. The christmas party that was only 3 months ago is a bigger issue. Maybe knowing he’s got a shot at captain will stop those ideas? One can only hope.

    I do agree that carra would make an awesome captain, I was hoping Capello would ask him back.
31. Rusty says:

    March 25, 2008 at 09:21

    TFO, I don’t hear Canadian accents anymore, so that’s probably why I don’t hear any hint of one that may be in Hargreaves’ speech. But as long as he’s easier for me to understand than Carra (who *should* be the England captain, bringing this back to the original topic, but obviously he retired) and the Smudger, I will still laugh at Owen’s accent.

    Have Fabio and Jamie talked?
32. The Fourth Official says:

    March 25, 2008 at 08:04

    Brandy,  I don’t think many Canadians that follow football feel betrayed at all.  We don’t have a football system of any real worth at the moment.  We’re all glad he had this opportunity, and proud that he played so well in WC2006, and won over the critics. I think he’s a decent guy, from everything I’ve read.  Maybe it’s just a Canadian thing – we’re always proud of our own that go out in the big world and make it.  No, he didn’t live in England before he came to United, but he has said in interviews that he has always thought of himself as mostly English, and that his parents kept a very English home.  His dad is English and his mom is Welsh, and they emigrated to Canada for a job opportunity – they are back in England, I believe now.  So, no biggie as far as I am concerned.  Now, I’d be more upset if he decided to play in the MLS. 
33. brandy, aka CR's Official Mistress in Perpetuity : says:

    March 25, 2008 at 07:07

    “Turncoat” wasn’t actually what I was really going for in an image but I was in a pinch since it took 5 hours to read through all these what have seem to become aimless postings…

    Closer to what I mean about Hargreaves is his propensity to follow the trophy train, i.e. where ever he thinks he can get the most for himself (victories, glory, fame, whatever…) and he seems to have little loyalty to his real home country (which I think is vital in a National Team Capper). I mean, born and lived in Canada until age 16 right? Played in Germany for 10 years (didn’t he become German or something to reduce his tax payment or something?). And so since England has a better shot at some titles than Canada does he is going to proclaim himself English on the technicality of one parent? Has he ever even lived in England before joining my beloved Man Utd?

    He just seems a little spineless and self-glorifying to me. I understand dual citizenship – I have it, but I don’t play for my National Team which oddly enough I feel should be of the most pure… it is so hard for me to explain the nuance…

    I just feel like he has no regard for “Country” and is willing to don any nationality in order to obtain a trophy. Too harsh? Probably. Perhaps not entirely factual because honeslty he is not hot enough for me to pay close attention to and fact collect/check Maybe if he were hotter I would be less forgiving lol (see my name lol!)
34. The Fourth Official says:

    March 25, 2008 at 06:59

    I love Hargreaves’ accent.  It’s a mixture of Calgary, Bolton (his dad), Welsh (his mom), German and Mancunian.  It’s adorable! Though, at times, almost incomprehensible. 
35. Rusty says:

    March 25, 2008 at 06:54

    My only opinion of Rio is that when I hear his name, I start singing the Duran Duran song. The Barenaked Ladies’ cover of that song is awesome.

    I love Hargreaves because I am a Canadaphile, but I think his lack of continual match fitness should bar him from being captain. Though his English-with-a-German-accent makes me snicker every time.

    /cannot wait to hear Coleen rap
36. The Fourth Official says:

    March 25, 2008 at 06:50

    I just watched Rio’s interview on Sky tonight.  He was very forthright that he has made mistakes as a young footballer, but that he takes this honour very seriously, and that he feels that he has very high standards now both in his football and in his personal life.  (Well, I was not exactly ecstatic about the Christmas party arrangements but, okay. . . ).  He seemed very moved by the appointment.  So, let’s just take one game at a time.  We have to win tomorrow first, girls!  Go England!

    Plus, the guys looked very hot in their team blazers as they arrived in Paris.  Capello must have brought Italian tailors with him to England.
37. Robin says:

    March 25, 2008 at 06:02

    interesting aticle from ESPN:

    http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/story?id=519801&cc=5901

    “The Italian also revealed what he believes makes a good captain.

    He said: ‘A captain must be an example to follow in training and a leader during the game. And, of course, I would hope he could be an example, a role model outside the game – in life – as well. That’s very important, always. Not just for the England captain, but for everything that we, as sportsmen, show youngsters. That is very important. He has to be an example.‘ “
38. Pussycat says:

    March 25, 2008 at 05:59

    I MISS the Special One too LoveLamps.

    MXA a turncoat is a traitor. Someone who switches to the opposing side. So calling Hargreaves a turncoat is not only incorrect, it’s rather mean.
39. LoveLamps says:

    March 25, 2008 at 05:20

    Rio is so not hot that I do not know if I can bear to TiVO the game tomorrow while I waste away at work.  And yet, Becks will be there so I’ll TiVO.  This whole rotating thing has me dizzy.  It’s silly, but I guess when you are the manager for England and you don’t speak English, it’s hard to tell what you’ll do next.  Why couldn’t the FA get Jose?!?!
40. Danika says:

    March 25, 2008 at 03:30

    I have to say that in a team made most of Chelsea players Fabio made the”smart” move name Rio as a captain. Well Cappello is know for not likeing powerfull skippers because he likes to be a dictator and at all the teams he was he ended to fight with those and then he was fired. Cappello will have the support of FA as long as the papers will not ask this head.After all is Terry, Gerrard, Rooney, Lampard that sell the national team brand and how many new players Cappello will bring at the team they have to become superstars with lucrative deals to outcome those names. Thats Cappello weakness- those people in FA are also interested in keaping happy Terry and Co near the national team to bring the money.
41. MrsXabiAlonso says:

    March 25, 2008 at 03:18

    Tammyv that link is sooo good. And only nine comments, I think that shows just how far Kickette has come! A thread like that would easily break the 100 mark now, just through laughter!

    I really don’t know who is gonna get the captaincy full time. To be honest, I don’t feel there is any one player who stands out in the England side that deserves it.

    Oh and I’m not feeling the Hargraves love, he has a mighty fine bod, but too pale, curly and puppy dog for me. And I don’t know what a turn-coat is…………
42. c9 says:

    March 25, 2008 at 02:41

    TFO- wonderful article thanks for sharing.
    RIO, congratulations and good luck. I hope you can captain England as well as you captain Man U!
43. The Fourth Official says:

    March 25, 2008 at 02:18

    Times has a nice take on Rio as captain:

    http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/sport/football/article3619216.ece
44. Pussycat says:

    March 25, 2008 at 01:39

    TFO – HAHAHAAHAHAHHAHAHAHAHAHA!!!!!!!!!!!!
45. klyn312 says:

    March 25, 2008 at 01:38

    oh Johnna, my head is spinning at the thought.. HAW HAW! rappin rooney… classic!
46. tashie says:

    March 25, 2008 at 01:26

    it feels so anti-climactic, after watching people strangle each other over who should be captain between stevie and jt.

    team stevie though. because i’d rather have someone who’s genuinely good rather than someone who can abuse the ref and get his Holy ~Passionate~ Chelsea Spit all over the ref without getting sent off (hmm, I wonder why).
47. The Fourth Official says:

    March 25, 2008 at 01:24

    Capello is learning English.  He’s been learning for a few months, so he must at least know the phrase “Yoo suck a da match.  Yoo no suck a da practiss.“
48. The Fourth Official says:

    March 25, 2008 at 01:20

    Yeah, how is Hargreaves a turn-coat?  He’s wanted to play for Manchester United since he was 6 years old.  His dad is English.  He hasn’t lived in Canada since he was 16.  We don’t have a great Canadian football system for him, so he’s had to earn a living elsewhere.  He spent 10 loyal years at Bayern.  He hasn’t broken any citizenship laws.  So, I’m confused.
49. Pussycat says:

    March 25, 2008 at 01:20

    Tammy – and how did that translate since he doesn’t speak English? Did the translator have to yell too? I would have paid good money to see that!
    Vald question though. 

    I bet Capello picks Terry as his final captain – that’s why he’s running through the other guys – so he can say ‘I tried them all’. Meh.
50. tammyv says:

    March 25, 2008 at 01:14

    It is only Rio for this match.. the next match it will probably be Lamps is the tracking continues.  Maybe Michael Owen, of course he would have to earn a start and that is not looking likely anytime soon.

    It seems that Fabio yelled at them today.. asking why they could play so well in practice but not in games for their country. I love that crazy Italian…

    As for Rap Idol… I am seeing Mark Ronson rocking with the Lamps.  After all, Kickette pointed out in alternate Plans for Ballers (one of the greatest posts in Kickette history: http://www.kickette.com/index.php?/site/comments/what_if_alternate_plans/ )

    Frank Lampard – Rapper. Wears white tracksuits and writes his lyrics strictly for the “lay-dies”.
51. lose that girl says:

    March 25, 2008 at 01:10

    Hargreaves…Turn-coaty?

    How?

    Anyone who has parents (more specifically, their father) born in another country can claim citizenship. Canada (as does the UK) allows dual citizenship so it’s not turn-coaty at all to be both Canadian and British.

    I don’t blame him at all for wanting to play in the best league in the world. He spent 10 years in Germany and helped win many awards for Bayern so I think he more than paid his dues to the team that welcomed him at the age of 16.

    He’s pretty tough…learned to speak German as a teen on his own.

    But that’s just my opinion.