Former Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand has explained how Sergio Busquets left him feeling like a "conference player" in their Champions League final defeat to Barcelona in 2011.
Rio Ferdinand has come forward as said that Sergio Busquets left him 'feeling like a conference player' in Barcelona's 3-1 Champions League final triumph over Manchester United.
The Blaugrana midfielder was one of Spain's shining lights in the European Championship.
His opening half performance in the semi-final against Italy, reminded Ferdinand of the day he went up against Busquets at Wembley.
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In his half-time analysis for BBC of the Euro 2020 semi-final, Ferdinand said: "It was here at Wembley, and we got abused in that game by Barcelona, they were brilliant".
"So your confidence is low and I was trying to get the ball back from him at a throw-in and he just said 'ah Ferdinand, Vidic, boom, boom, boom' [imitating long passes]. I felt like a conference player".
After the Spaniard's impressive first-half display against Italy, Ferdinand said: "He has bossed this game and he's a fabulous player to watch".
United struggled in the final against Barcelona on that day in 2011, two years after they lost to the Catalan club in the final in Rome.
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Pedro fired Barcelona ahead only for Wayne Rooney to pull one back on the half-hour mark.
Lionel Messi then made it 2-1 before David Villa solidified the trophy triumph with a third goal.
Busquets has been a mainstay in the Barcelona midfield ever since 2008, making 629 appearances in the process.
Featured Image Credit:Topics: Sergio Busquets, UEFA, Rio Ferdinand, Champions League