Rio Ferdinand Almost Started Crying After Reading Sir Alex Ferguson's Text Message About Ravel Morrison

Sir Alex Ferguson's text message about Ravel Morrison left former Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand on the verge of tears.

Morrison's time at the club is a prime case of 'what could have been'.

He showed glimpses of real talent in the early stages of his time in Manchester, especially during his time in the academy. In fact, when he was just 14-years-old, Sir Alex Ferguson once hailed him as 'the best he had ever seen' at that age group.

But Morrison only made three first-team appearances for United before joining West Ham in 2012.

Image: PA

Image: PA

Nine years on and Ferdinand invited Morrison on his YouTube podcast Vibe with FIVE, where the pair opened up about Ravel's time at Old Trafford - and in particular his former managers.

Rio decided to text Sheffield United boss Chris Wilder and Sir Alex Ferguson before the podcast.

The message he got back was certainly an emotional one considering what happened.

"I text the last manager you played for in the Premier League, which was Chris Wilder - I've told you what he said - and I asked for five words from Fergie, Sir Alex Ferguson.

"He text me back this: 'Rio, my first and last impression of Ravel as a young lad was he has always got time and space." Ferdinand said.

"Always available to be on the ball. So unusual for a lad of his age. Give my regards to him, please.

"Another thing about Ravel which I've always treasured, which no other player who made their debut did it, after the first game in the first team that he played, the next morning he came to my office and gave me a letter thanking me for giving him his debut. I was gobsmacked, Rio.

"'The boy had a good heart. He was just beaten by his background."

After reading out the message, Ferdinand said he "almost started crying" in relation to Ferguson's touching words.

An emotional Morrison responded: "Yeah man. When I made my debut that was...I don't know. Words can't describe it - making your debut for Manchester United."

Ferdinand pressed further, saying: "What does hearing that from someone like Sir Alex make you feel like?"

"It touches you, do you know what I mean?" Morrison responds. "Because if I could go back in time I would change 90 per cent of my life."

One thing is for sure; considering his immense talent - and the words Sir Alex Ferguson has paid to him in recent times - Morrison could have been something special.

Topics: Football News, Football, Manchester United, Sir Alex Ferguson, Ravel Morrison, Premier League, Rio Ferdinand

Jack Kenmare

Jack Kenmare is a writer at SPORTbible. He's interviewed some of the biggest names in sport, including Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Pele, Carles Puyol and Tim Henman. He dabbles in all things sport but football is his biggest passion. He was once hit in the head by a wayward strike from Nicky Butt and lived to tell the tale.

@jackkenmare_