Rio Ferdinand reveals Fabio Capello went 'crazy' at England player who broke strict rule on international duty

Rio Ferdinand has recalled a time former England manager Fabio Capello completely lost it with a player after he refused to follow a key rule.

Capello managed England from 2007 to 2012, but only took the national team to one major tournament in his five-year spell as manager following England's failure to qualify for Euro 2008.

The Italian's one tournament in South Africa was far from a success, with England crashing out to Germany in the round of 16 following the infamous ghost goal from Frank Lampard.

Despite a lack of success, Capello made quite the impact in the England dressing room and was well known for his strict rule set for players to follow.

Speaking on FIVE alongside his old boss, Rio Ferdinand recalled one fiery moment in particular where Capello saw red.

"It was all very black and white and you knew where you stood, you can either do something or you can't," he said.

"I remember there were no mobile phones around the dinner table, and Emile Heskey had his phone out at the table, I think he was texting someone after he finished his food."

"The manager went crazy, at the buffet he took the lids and picked them up like tambourines and went 'BANG BANG BANG' and just started yelling about respect," Ferdinand added.

Fabio Capello- Getty

Also speaking on the podcast, Capello had his say and explained the reasoning behind ruling with an iron fist came from how he was dealt with during his playing days.

"For me respect is very important, I learned from my old mentor when I was a player you train how you play. It is impossible to train slow and play fast."

Following his spell with England, Capello continued in international management with Russia before a brief spell at Jiangsu F.C in China.