“La Tasca, La Tasca, we don’t care about the mafia”

What better way for a professional footballer to answer his critics than to film himself pissed, in a tapas bar, MCing like he’s at a Garage rave circa 1999?

Utd mogul and part-time defender turns shameless self-promoter

He might be starting to wane at his day job, but Rio Ferdinand is still a true Renaissance Man. Having just attended the film premiere of Dead Man Running, on which he was executive producer alongside Ashley Cole, he’s also three issues into his own magazine and co-owns a record label. Obvious, then, that budget airline BMI should choose such a worldly man to offer tips on the best places to eat out in Manchester, in the latest issue of their in-flight magazine:

“Rosso. It serves unbelievable food. I love the steak if I’m having a big main … The vibe is nice, too, with a casual dress code which I like. Plenty of footballers pop in for quality food after matches.

The chef is as hot as mustard! I love the flattened steak if I’m having a big main or the penne pasta, which is so good it’s ridiculous.”

But don’t bother trying to seek out Rio’s favorite eatery - it’s not even open yet. Although we’re sure he’ll make an appearance on the opening night … being that he’s actually co-owner of the place.

Coming to a computer near you…

Has there ever been a worse dive in football than this?
( 101gg )

When is a retirement, not a retirement? When it’s announced by Christian Vieri of course
( Dirty Tackle )

Who are Rio’s toughest three opponents?
( Pies )

Naked goalkeepers part 1

Naked goalkeepers part 2

Is Rio the new Anton?

Huge media over-reaction or genuine decline of a once great defender? Vote now

Coming to a computer near you…

Bouncing Baby Berba born
( novinite )

Have you seen the head of Fergus Fox?
( offthepost )

“You lot take it up the arse!” No, not you lot. This lot of journalists who were roundly abused by Maradona after Argentina’s victory last night

If you’re planning a week’s annual leave, you may just about have time to read theGuardian’s monster piece about the Danish national side of the 1980s

Has England’s goalkeeping situation ever been more bleak?
( Footy Factor )

And gather the family round for Issue 3 of Rio’s mag - its a music special kids
( 5 Magazine )

Also appearing on a computer near you…

Will Tottenham finally land Sulley Muntari?
[Caught Offside]

Who will win the Carling Cup?
[Betfair Football]

Follow us on Twitter
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Rio Ferdinand is set to open his own restaurant
[Kickette]

The government might cut funding to the FA unless they stop being so rubbish
[BBC]

Romanian model Alexandra Enachescu is Cristian Pulhac’s WAG. Cristian Pulhac plays for Dinamo Bucharest, apparently
[DJ Mick]

Burnley suffer Martin Paterson injury blow
[The Mirror]

Spoiler promotion: Play Fantasy Football and win Champions League Final tickets!

Manchester Utd star spends £400 on humble staycation

He may earn over £100,000-a-week, and he may run his own luxury lifestyle magazine, but Rio Ferdinand has been living like someone who is actually affected by the global economic downturn. In a move that suggests the Manchester Utd star possesses a degree of humility that is very rare among top flight players, he was spotted with his family at Presthaven Sands, a Haven Holidays camp in North Wales.

The Telegraph done a report what says:

Dismissing more tropical getaways, Ferdinand decided to take his family to the small town in Denbighshire known as the “gateway to North Wales coast” where “mountain air meets salty sea breezes”.

And in the spirit of Britain’s summer of “staycation” the £100,000-a-week Premiership star booked his wife Rebecca Ellison and two sons into the Haven park for a credit-crunch busting weekend break in late August.

He did, however, choose a top-of-the-range “Prestige” caravan - at £400 for the weekend.

Also appearing on a computer near you…

This chap was dared to the tune of $1,000 to try and make baseball slightly interesting, and it looks like he got a night in the cells for his troubles
[Deadspin]

Glenn Hoddle tells us how Ossie Ardiles dented the FA Cup
[ChannelBee]

AFC Wimbledon’s Danny Kedwell is upset that he didn’t back himself to be Conference top scorer. He should probably be happy he didn’t break the law and get himself fired
[London Informer]

Rio will be out for another three to four weeks
[The Sun]

Alexey Smertin recalls oatmeal at Portsmouth and napkin throwing at Chelsea
[Dirty Tackle]

Fergie will not dip back into the transfer market to improve the state of things at Manchester Utd
[The Independent]

Manchester City eye up Boca Juniors’ Riquelme
[Tribal Football]

Some reassuring stats for Manchester Utd fans
[Republik of Mancunia]

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