‘There’s no-one better to give me advice’ – City defender so grateful for Manchester United legend’s guidance
Ben Godfrey has been an ever-present for Norwich City in the Premier League so far this season Picture: Paul Chesterton/Focus Images - Credit: Paul Chesterton/Focus Images Ltd
Norwich City defender Ben Godfrey has shed fresh light on how former England and Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand is helping him to develop as a centre-back.
The 21-year-old has been guarded about his relationship with Ferdinand previously, who works as a mentor for Godfrey's agents, New Era Global Sports.
However, the Canaries defender - who has worn the captain's armband in recent weeks - has revealed more about that relationship ahead of City's trip to Bournemouth tomorrow.
"In terms of being a centre-back, there's not been a better person to speak to for advice in however many years," said Godfrey of Ferdinand, who won six Premier League titles at United and was capped 81 times by England.
"Anything he says, goes really. He's class and he helps me so much. He's got a lot of time for me. He's a top guy and it's good to speak to him.
"I will get my clips together after a game, send them to Rio and he'll come back and say: 'to be honest, I'd have done this or this…' or tell me what I've done well.
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"I'm always trying to learn and improve and there's no-one better to give me advice."
Rio Ferdinand during his Manchester United days Picture: Owen Humphreys/PA Wire - Credit: PA
Godfrey had minor surgery in Germany last week to deal with a hernia but is expected to be training fully and available for the clash with Bournemouth.
That required him to miss England Under-21 duty though, having been named as captain by Aidy Boothroyd for a 2-0 qualifying win over Kosovo U21s in Hull last month, in which Canaries team-mates Todd Cantwell and Max Aarons also played.
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"I had a little operation, was gutted to miss the England games but I had to get it sorted because it had been inhibiting," Godfrey explained, speaking to national newspaper the Mirror.
"I went to Germany for it, Dr Ulrike Muschaweck, she's well known and I knew I was in good hands. They've done everything to get me back for this weekend.
"Being made under-21s captain was such an honour. Getting called up to the squad was big, it was nice to have Max and Toddy as well, then being made captain was nice, it's a massive achievement and I couldn't wait to tell my family.
"I do see myself as a leader. I don't know why.
"I enjoy being captain of the team and, with or without the armband, I'd be the same but it's such a good feeling to lead out your country."
