Rio Ferdinand names the two players he dislikes the most

Since his retirement, Rio Ferdinand has forged a career as a commentator where controversy has become his hallmark. The former Manchester United player has surprised everyone by revealing the players he most detested during his time as a player for the 'Red Devils': Fernando Torres and Mario Balotelli.

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A Fearless Defender with a Sharp Tongue

Rio Ferdinand, renowned for his strength and elegance in the Manchester United defence, has carried that same intensity over to the microphone. His often unfiltered comments have generated controversy and debate in the football world.

Explosive Confessions on a Podcast

During his appearance on the 'Live with FIVE' podcast, Ferdinand opened up about his animosity towards two strikers who made life difficult for him in the Premier League: the Spaniard Fernando Torres and the Italian Mario Balotelli.

Fernando Torres: A Persistent Pain

Ferdinand revealed that his aversion to Fernando Torres dates back to a particularly painful incident: "I didn't like Fernando Torres. Once during a match, he stamped on my foot while the ball was on the other side of the pitch. I needed stitches in my foot."

The former defender detailed the severity of the injury: "The ball was miles away and we'd already had a few clashes during the game. At half-time I took my boot off, which was the worst thing I could've done. My foot swelled up, I had stitches, they gave me painkillers, I put my boot back on and went back out. It was agony, I've still got a scar."

Mario Balotelli: From Hatred to Affection

Ferdinand's relationship with Mario Balotelli was even more complex. "I hated Balotelli, I hated him. He did a couple of things I didn't like with the fans and I thought he was rude. Now we speak and he's a great guy," confessed Ferdinand, showing a radical change in his perception of the Italian striker.

Rio Ferdinand's statements have generated diverse reactions in the football world. His frankness and willingness to express controversial opinions have made him a polarizing, but undeniably influential, figure in the media landscape of the beautiful game.