Rio happy to follow Keane lead

My Account
Logout

Create an Evening Standard Account

Use your social network

Save time by using your existing account to sign in to Evening Standard

We'll never share your information or post anything to your account without your permission

Welcome! Sign in here

Use your social network

Save time by using your existing account to sign in to Evening Standard

We'll never share your information or post anything to your account without your permission

Forgot your password ?

Registration

* indicates fields that are mandatory

Email *

Password *

Confirm Password *

First name *

Surname *

Postcode *

Country *

Mobile phone number

Username *

Gender *

Year of birth *

When you sign up...

You will have access to all our online competitions, discounted offers and can post comments on our site.

You will also receive The Weekender newsletter sent every Thursday - it’s full of fantastic offers and ideas for the weekend. You can update your email preferences in your account page when you log in.

Other newsletters and emails

Homes & Property Newsletter - Yes I want to receive the weekly email with all the latest news on property in the capital

Occasionally we would also like to send you relevant emails detailing specific offers either from ourselves or carefully selected partners. If you would prefer not to receive these then please tick the appropriate boxes below. We will never pass on your details.

I do not want to receive additional offers and information from the Evening Standard

I do not want to receive additional offers and information sent by Evening Standard on behalf of carefully selected partners

Terms and Conditions

* I have read, understood and agree to be bound by the terms and conditions of Evening Standard

Registration

Mail Sent for Registration Confirmation.

A confirmation email has been sent. Please activate your account by clicking on the activation link sent in your mail box.

Ferdinand has first-hand knowledge of Keane's leadership skills at Manchester United before he made the switch to management with Sunderland.

Ferdinand said: "Roy Keane was a fantastic captain. He led by example and played ever so well, getting marks of seven, eight or nine out of 10 every game."

He added: "He was a man amongst men and, if questions need to be answered he was normally the first or second person to do that. He was a great captain and symbolic of Manchester United.

"Now for me to get the captaincy for my country is a dream come true and this is the biggest honour I've ever had.

"Of course, winning titles is unbelievable as well but I don't think you can compare the two to be honest. This is a great honour in itself.

"How many people are named as England captain? Not many and to be named alongside list of illustrious players is a great achievement in itself. I'll be wearing that armband with as much pride as anyone in the past."

Ferdinand is aware he will have his detractors because of past misdemeanours including failing to attend a drugs test at United's training ground four years ago which resulted in an eight month ban.

He said: "I think everyone goes through ups and downs, not only in their careers but in their lives. It is how you come out of those situations that is important.

"Do you learn, do you take things on board and use it to your advantage in whichever way you can? I feel I've applied myself in the right manner whenever a situation has gone against me - and I will continue to do that."