Rio Ferdinand stands on the brink of double personal glory after being lined up as the next permanent captain of England and Manchester United.

Fabio Capello wants Ferdinand to take over from John Terry, who he faces today in a potential title decider, while Sir Alex Ferguson last night named the central defender as the successor to United skipper Gary Neville. Ferdinand, 29, led England in last month's friendly against France and has captained United on several occasions this season. Capello is impressed with Ferdinand's leadership qualities and is ready to hand him the armband for the upcoming World Cup qualifying campaign.

And on the eve of today's crunch match at Stamford Bridge, United boss Fergie revealed why Ferdinand will be his next captain.

"With Gary Neville injured and Ryan Giggs unavailable at times, Rio has been our captain," said Fergie.
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"Obviously, as Ryan gets older, that is Rio's destiny. We are always looking ahead in that way and Rio is the natural successor.

"His performance in Barcelona on Wednesday was absolutely superb. The experience of Rio in a game like that was vital." Capello was at the Nou Camp to watch Ferdinand captain United and produce another towering defensive display in the 0-0 draw.

His chances of landing the full-time captaincy ahead of Terry, who was ex-England boss Steve McClaren's skipper, are helped by the fact he represents a clean break from the old regime.

In addition, Ferdinand is one of the few players guaranteed a starting place in Capello's England line-up.

"If personal accolades come it's great, but that's not top ofmy agenda," said Rio. "I want to be successful and I want to win more and more trophies.

"Being captain for England the once so far was great and being skipper at United is absolutely fantastic.

"Whenever I pull that armband on, it is a proud moment for me and my family because of the long line of illustrious people who've worn it before me."

interesting ...i wonder how the back pages will anounce this
" first black england captian "

or simply "captain black"

Captian Black..lol!!
I'm just waiting to see all the stories coming out especially from those tarts..just as well he got that out of his system for now...interestingly though Ferdinand has been making the right moves and attending all the right functions...plays his cards right he would do well after football not that he needs the money but the acclaim and respect would be good

Well, Paul Ince was the first black player to captain England more than a decade ago....so that narrows the choice...

And then he does this...
Angry Rio Ferdinand boots female Chelsea steward - Sunday Mirror

^
That was funny...you know the saying the leopard never changes its spots...guess its all coming back to him wilting under all that pressure