Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand has revealed his concern over a mystery kidney illness that has forced him out of action. Ferdinand was forced to miss several Premiership and international games and while he is expected to take part in Sunday's Premiership clash with Arsenal, doctors are still unable to pinpoint his exact problem.
The former Leeds player told The Sun: "I was in so much pain. I would not wish it on anybody. It was quite scary. I couldn’t sleep properly and when you don’t know what it is you are obviously concerned. It was like severe backache and for three days I could barely walk because of the pain."
Ferdinand added: "I had never had to spend a night in the hospital before but I was in there for two days while various tests were done. The doctors think it was a virus but I’m still waiting to get some of the results. Thankfully I’m feeling great now and enjoying my football again."
Elsewhere, United midfielder Quinton Fortune is hoping to stake a claim for an extended run in the side - starting with Sunday's game with Arsenal. The South African international said: "This is the best opportunity I have had to establish myself. I don't care where I play, just as long as I am involved. For the first time I don't feel as though I am playing catch-up, I really feel ready to go."
Fortune had a shaky start to his Old Trafford career and was a regular feature in the reserve side for most of his first season there, however, he now believes that his patience has paid off. "There has never been a point where I doubted that I would make it here. It is all about patience," he said.
Filed by Rob Wright
