WES LOVES RIO

Last updated : 02 August 2002 By editor

Wes Brown yesterday claimed that new boy Rio Ferdinand is the best in the world. Wes and Rio were good friends before Rio moved to Old Trafford and Wes seems delighted about the defender finally putting pen to paper. He said:

"It's a huge signing for us. He's proved to everyone over the years how much of a great player he is and he topped that off with the World Cup where he put in a magnificent performance throughout the tournament," enthused 22-year-old Wes.

"That's why the gaffer went in for him and that's why we've bought him.

"He was unbelievable in the World Cup and anyone who had any doubts about him was proved wrong.

"He's always been a great player - he just proved that once again at the World Cup."

"He is the best centre-half in the world - and he'll get even better,"

"He's a great buy and I'm sure this season he'll prove to everyone why we bought him.

"People say it's a lot of money but he's 23 and has got many years in him. He's strong, fast, he's good in the air and he's a good reader of the game.

"He's pretty much the defender you dream about having. He's got real leadership qualities and he's shown that in the few days training we've had together."

"He was treated like anyone else when he joined - really well. He's an English lad and knew a lot of the players anyway."

Will Wes still be thinking the same thing after starting every game on the bench though?