Rio Ferdinand defends 'tired' Raheem Sterling

Oct 13, 2014 05:29 pm

England fans may be none too happy with Raheem Sterling, 19, but Rio Ferdinand has stepped up to defend him on Twitter.

In a series of tweets, former Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand, 35, sided with the young English star, sending some harsh messages to his detractors:

Either some real dumb heads on here or they just missed the point totally. Doing what's better for the team & yourself long term....

— Rio Ferdinand (@rioferdy5) October 13, 2014

With more rest at the right times throughout seasons Rooney would have gone into tournaments for England fresher 100%.... Too proud again.

— Rio Ferdinand (@rioferdy5) October 13, 2014

Same could be said of Gerard, Lampard, JT, A.Cole myself etc-all too proud to sit out of training or a match with the bigger picture in mind

— Rio Ferdinand (@rioferdy5) October 13, 2014

Frank Lampard (right) took over as Chelsea manager last summer, after just one season in management at Championship side Derby County.

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Going by many of the responses on here - because players earn a fortune they cannot get tired leave off!!

— Rio Ferdinand (@rioferdy5) October 13, 2014

A mid season break like most other countries would help....fatigue is 1 element as to why England have struggled at tournaments too.

— Rio Ferdinand (@rioferdy5) October 13, 2014

Sterling, 19, was dropped from the line-up for Sunday’s Euro 2016 qualifier with Estonia after telling England manager Roy Hodgson he wasn't feeling 100 per cent.

Sources: Twitter and Mirror Online

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