Anton Ferdinand has been one of the shining lights during
our first season back in the Premiership, and nobody is prouder
than his older brother Rio.
One of the most successful graduates of the Upton Park youth academy - now the world's most expensive defender - spoke exclusively to whufc.com after lining up for Manchester United against his former club at Old Trafford last week.
After recovering from a groin injury, Anton appeared as a 66th minute substitute for Argentine right-back Lionel Scaloni during our 1-0 defeat against the Red Devils and, when asked about the progress of his 21-year-old brother this season, Rio's pride was clear to see.
"I've obviously watched him since he's been growing up as a kid, and he's come a long way since then," said the former Hammers hero. "It would have been nice if he had started the game but it was good to see him come on in the second half.
"When he first got in West Ham's team, he was playing out of position at right-back, and funnily enough he has come on and played there against us.
"When he started out, though, he'd never played at right-back before and people were judging him on that position, which I felt was a little bit unfair. I told him that, when he got his chance in the centre, he had to take it, and he has done that.
"He has adjusted well to the Premiership and, as long as he continues to work hard and show the same attitude, then I'm sure he can go right to the top."
More than five years after leaving Upton Park in an £18million transfer to Leeds United, Rio's affinity for the claret and blue is still strong and he admits to being delighted by the success that Alan Pardew's men have enjoyed since their return to the Premiership.
"I'm so pleased for everyone at the Club and all of the supporters," he said. "I wanted West Ham to stay up, and they've done that, and hopefully now they can enjoy the rest of the season, and perhaps some glory in the FA Cup."
One of the most successful graduates of the Upton Park youth academy - now the world's most expensive defender - spoke exclusively to whufc.com after lining up for Manchester United against his former club at Old Trafford last week.
After recovering from a groin injury, Anton appeared as a 66th minute substitute for Argentine right-back Lionel Scaloni during our 1-0 defeat against the Red Devils and, when asked about the progress of his 21-year-old brother this season, Rio's pride was clear to see.
"I've obviously watched him since he's been growing up as a kid, and he's come a long way since then," said the former Hammers hero. "It would have been nice if he had started the game but it was good to see him come on in the second half.
"When he first got in West Ham's team, he was playing out of position at right-back, and funnily enough he has come on and played there against us.
"When he started out, though, he'd never played at right-back before and people were judging him on that position, which I felt was a little bit unfair. I told him that, when he got his chance in the centre, he had to take it, and he has done that.
"He has adjusted well to the Premiership and, as long as he continues to work hard and show the same attitude, then I'm sure he can go right to the top."
More than five years after leaving Upton Park in an £18million transfer to Leeds United, Rio's affinity for the claret and blue is still strong and he admits to being delighted by the success that Alan Pardew's men have enjoyed since their return to the Premiership.
"I'm so pleased for everyone at the Club and all of the supporters," he said. "I wanted West Ham to stay up, and they've done that, and hopefully now they can enjoy the rest of the season, and perhaps some glory in the FA Cup."