meta_pixel
Tapesearch Logo
Log in
The Diary Of A CEO with Steven Bartlett

E76: Rio Ferdinand Reveals The Training Ground & Dressing Room Secrets That Made United Unbeatable.

The Diary Of A CEO with Steven Bartlett

FlightStory

Society & Culture, Business, Education

4.613.2K Ratings

🗓️ 12 April 2021

⏱️ 91 minutes

🧾️ Download transcript

Summary

This week’s podcast guest, is not like any I’ve had on before... I am proud to introduce to you my friend, and football legend Rio Ferdinand.

As a former Football player, he is one of the most decorated English footballers of all time and regarded by many loyal fans – one of England’s greatest players. I grew up as a United Fan, watching him, idolising him and now he is my mate.

Growing up on an Estate in Peckham, Rio’s parents encouraged his curiosity. Many of you, may not know, Rio danced ballet to a high standard before choosing to pursue a career in football... and well, you might think you know how the story goes. You don’t. In this open, intimate and honest conversation Rio talks about his achievements, failures, successes and how his life experiences have made him the father he is today.

Rio has broken many football records during his premiership – He joined Manchester United in July 2002 for record breaking fee of £30 million. He has featured in the PFA Team of the Year four times in 5 years. More club magic spread, as the club followed with another Premier league Win in 2006-07 all under Sir Alex Fergusons lead. During Rio’s time at United,
Rio respectfully won 6 Premier League Titles and 14 Trophies. Rio announced his retirements from professional football on 30 May 2015.

After retirement Rio has joined BT Sport as a Pundit. The BBC one documentary - Rio Ferdinand: Being Mum and Dad. The documentary won the Robert Flaherty Award for Single Documentary at the 2018 BAFTA Awards.

Rio is a special guy, not least for what he’s achieved but for who he is, and today. You’re going to find out who he actually is. The philosophy to life that he swears by, and the culture required for you to win in an ambitious career, but also the culture required to win in your personal life.

This weeks topics:
  • What made you chose football?
  • Culture of avoid discomfort
  • How did they create high standards at Old Trafford?
  • Sir Alex Ferguson
  • Manchester United now
  • Manchester United then
  • What were your faults?
  • You and Vidic
  • Mental health - your documentary
  • Techniques to help with mental health
  • Relationship advice
  • What do you want to be remembered for
  • What matters?


Rio:


My book:
(UK, US, AUS, NZ Link) - http://hyperurl.co/xenkw2


Sponsors

Transcript

Click on a timestamp to play from that location

0:00.0

How did they create high standards at Old Trafford?

0:03.6

Because I want to create high standards in my team and within my life.

0:06.2

You must now know that there's certain fundamental things that matter,

0:09.9

and a lot of shit that doesn't.

0:12.0

What are the things that matter?

0:13.7

If people were in 10, 20 years, so that's really what I've played for May and Nighted,

0:17.7

I haven't really done what I'm here to do.

0:26.8

Do I even need to introduce my next guest?

0:29.0

Ryo Ferdinand.

0:31.2

For more football player, one of the most decorated English footballers of all time,

0:35.6

and Asa Manianatet fan, probably one of my favourite players of all time ever.

0:39.8

And he's played alongside some of the greatest players ever,

0:42.5

but he's also been managed by the best manager ever.

0:45.8

I grew up as a Manchester United fan watching him, idolizing him.

0:50.0

And now he's my mate.

0:52.4

So this is going to be a fairly interesting conversation.

0:55.4

After retiring, he's become a sports commentator for Beauty Sport, he's become an author,

1:00.4

he's become an entrepreneur, he's the founder of a charity, a foundation,

1:04.0

he's an onexecutive director, which we'll talk about today as well.

1:07.1

And as you'll hear, he's also so much more.

1:10.0

Some things that you probably wouldn't expect.

1:12.6

He's also a husband and a dad.

...

Please login to see the full transcript.

Disclaimer: The podcast and artwork embedded on this page are from FlightStory, and are the property of its owner and not affiliated with or endorsed by Tapesearch.

Generated transcripts are the property of FlightStory and are distributed freely under the Fair Use doctrine. Transcripts generated by Tapesearch are not guaranteed to be accurate.

Copyright © Tapesearch 2025.