Like John Terry, Rio Ferdinand actually is not a scandal-free figure. However, he admitted that he has been becoming more mature and is ready to lead England.
One of the scandals that have tarnished Ferdinand’s career is his carelessness for a drugs test. As a result he had to undergo a suspension for eight months and did not come to defend England in Euro 2004.
His mistake is still quite memorable for many people. Lucky for him, a case which was arising because of his carelessness didn’t become bigger as Terry’s cases.

Ferdinand is pointed to be the captain of England, considering his status as the first vice captain in the Three Lions. That position actually is not officially given to him, but he himself is willing to accept that if Fabio Capello choose him.

“I knew I have to change people’s perception about me. I might be making mistakes in the future, but would it be as big as the one in the past? I hope it won’t,” he said as reported by Canadian Press.
“As a young man from West Ham, I need several years to be mature and realize the responsibility of being a football player.”

“I thought I am able to obtain it now. Maturity has become a part of me. I now have a young family, and everyone has up and down in their careers, as well as in life,” he said.

Being a captain actually is not a new thing for him. In the club level he often became the Manchester United captain when Gary Neville and Ryan Giggs were absent. Thus, the leadership skill of a player who was born in Peckham, London, is no need to be doubted.