Ferdinand tells footballers to ‘banish their booze demons’

LONDON - Ahead of the friendly against France, England defender Rio Ferdinand has delivered a sermon on the drawbacks of drinking, saying that alcohol should be enjoyed only in moderation.

“Responsibility is a big thing. As a young player, it took me a while to understand the responsibilities of a footballer, but the sooner you learn that the fewer mistakes you’ll make over your career,” the Daily Mail quoted Ferdinand, as saying.

“Nowadays you have a game Saturday, Tuesday, Saturday, Tuesday. There’s no room in that time frame to go out on the lash and get smashed, the way you used to,” he added.

The 32-year-old further said that drinking was part of the culture when he was growing up, but insists that “things have changed”.

“Nowadays, you can’t afford to do that. You’re playing against teams who are physically in tip-top condition. If you’re going out you are not going to be in the same physical condition. You can’t do yourself or your team justice,” Ferdinand said.

“If you’ve got a free week, there’s no problem going out, enjoying yourself and letting your hair down. You don’t have to live like a monk. But you’ve got to pick and choose your right times,” he added. (ANI)