I'm 'shocked and devastated', says Rio

Rio Ferdinand was “shocked and devastated” when he received an eight-month ban for missing a drugs test.

The England and Manchester United defender helped United move a point clear at the top of the Premiership with a 2-1 win over Tottenham at White Hart Lane yesterday.

However, his performance concealed the pain he felt when the lengthy suspension was meted out.

“It hit me like a thunderbolt,” he said. “I was shocked and devastated when I heard the verdict.”

Ferdinand plans to appeal against the ban, which is due to start on January 12.