Manchester United legend Rio Ferdinand has been told that one of his former club teammates “could have been something even more” if he had reached his high potential.
Sir Alex Ferguson brought Rio Ferdinand to Old Trafford in 2002 after he was signed for a British record fee at the time of £30m from Leeds United.
Ferdinand spent the majority of his legendary playing career at the Red Devils under iconic former Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson.
The 45-year-old footballer-turned-pundit had a remarkable playing career and is widely regarded as one of the best defenders in Premier League history.
Ferdinand was a linchpin defensive figure in Ferguson’s legendary teams of the past and forged a long-lasting partnership with United legend Nemanja Vidic.
During his prolific run at Old Trafford, the former United defender lifted six Premier League titles, a Champions League and two League Cups.
Ferdinand briefly played under Ferguson’s successor David Moyes at United before he left Old Trafford in 2014 and signed for Queens Park Rangers.
Ferdinand told about Man Utd cult hero’s potential
Speaking on Rio Ferdinand Presents FIVE, the Manchester United legend sat down with former Portugal defender Jose Fonte for the ‘Legends Lounge’ show.
Jose Fonte has had a long-running career at club level and enjoyed success on the international stage with Portugal at Euro 2016.
The 40-year-old Braga centre-back played alongside former United players like Cristiano Ronaldo and Nani during his time with the Portugal national team.
Fonte told Rio Ferdinand that his former United teammate Nani had “very, very high” potential as a player, but he needed a “little bit more focus” in his career.
“Physically, Nani was unreal,” he said.
“If only he had just a little bit more focus. I’m not saying that he wasn’t focused because to be at this level, he needs to have some kind of drive and focus.
“But his potential was very, very high. Although he had an amazing career, a fantastic career, he could have been something even more special. Right foot, left foot, pace, dribbling, power, [he had everything].”
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Ferdinand on Nani at Man Utd and beyond
Nani arrived at Old Trafford in 2007 after United legend Sir Alex Ferguson signed him from Portuguese side Sporting CP.
The 37-year-old, who is currently a free agent, linked up with the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo before the United legend made his blockbuster move to Real Madrid.
Nani enjoyed success during his run at the Red Devils and the United cult hero lifted four Premier League titles, a Champions League and two League Cups.
The Portuguese winger showed individual brilliance at times on the pitch and had a creative flair, but Nani struggled with consistency as a United player.
Nani failed to establish himself as a regular after Ferguson’s retirement in 2013 and his spell at Old Trafford came to an end in 2015.
Ferdinand previously made his feelings clear on Nani and admitted that his former teammate was a “frustrating” figure for both players and fans.
“He was quite a frustrating figure at times for Manchester United, the fans got frustrated with him,” Ferdinand told the BBC in 2016.
“In terms of natural ability, he has it all, left and right feet, pace to die for, and he’s brave, he wants the ball of the time.
“He’s somebody who, if he got it all together, he’d be one of the best players on the planet.
“I think it’s getting the information, digesting it and decision-making in the final moments, in the last moments on the pitch, decision-making is what separates the best players from the ones that are good.”
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