RIO IN HIS OWN WORDS

Last updated : 21 September 2004 By editor

"The fans were fantastic. Right up to the last minute they were brilliant," Ferdinand told Sky Sports.

"I'm just glad to be back and I'm looking forward, like the rest of the lads, to getting our season back on track. It was just nice to get out there and play and forget about everything that has gone on before. Once you get out there it's all about football."

"It was never going to be easy. I was under no illusions that it would anything other than a physically and mentally tough game. Eight months is a long time. But I got into it and it was nice to be back out there on the pitch."

'I was punished by the FA, but that does not change my desire to play for England, that's a stupid question. I love playing for United and I love playing for England as well. But at the moment I am only thinking about playing for United, what comes afterwards is a bonus.'