Sven sure of Rio return
Monday, 22 December, 2003
England coach Sven-Goran Eriksson has said that he is certain that Rio Ferdinand still has a future at international level.
England coach Sven-Goran Eriksson has said that he is certain that Rio Ferdinand still has a future at international level.
Sven was at White Hart Lane for the match between Tottenham and Manchester United yesterday.
After the match he said: "I am sure in time Rio will play for England again. He is always in my plans and will be when he is allowed to play.
"I really hope that he will not say that [that he would not want to be considered] and I am sure he is very proud to play for England. For any player it is the maximum you can do. He is in my plans for the future.
"What is bad is the process. It must be speeded up. This case has taken three months after it happened. It should be dealt with at once and then it is over with. It is bad for football and bad for Rio to drag on.
"It is awful to have your name on the back and front pages for three months. I am happy talking and working [with the Football Association] to speed the process up."