RIO TO BE A DAD

Last updated : 29 January 2006 By Ed

From NOTW:

Dad-to-be Rio Ferdinand last night cradled his lover's baby bump and sensationally confessed: "I've strayed in the past—but I'm going to be a family man now."

In an exclusive interview with the News of the World, the England ace admitted "succumbing" to other women during his five-year relationship with 25-year-old Rebecca Ellison.

"I'm not proud of it," said Rio, 27, as he cuddled Rebecca who is expecting their first child in the summer.

"You do get girls coming on to you and sometimes I admit I have succumbed. You are a young guy and there are temptations. Yeah, I've made mistakes—show me someone who hasn't.

"I'd like at least three or four. I'd love all boys so I can start my own five-a-side team. I'd go in goal," he said. "Really though, as long as the baby is healthy I don't mind if it's a boy or girl.

"I want a family which is the mirror-image of the way I was brought up —loads of love and fun and affection."