The Sport Matrix: Saturday 25 October 2014

Ferdinand: this will be my last playing season

Former England captain Rio Ferdinand plans to retire from playing next summer.

The QPR defender told Jonathan Ross in an interview to be broadcast this evening that this season is likely to be his last.

“I probably think the end of this season,” Ferdinand, 35, said when asked about retirement. “I’m looking forward to it. I can see some good stuff hopefully happening ahead.

“You get to a time where you start understanding your body and the strains playing football [is] putting your body through, going out and training every day.”

The former Manchester United player expects to stay in football in some capacity and has begun his coaching badges.

“I’ve done it for so many years, it’s what I love,” he continued.

Wenger: Arsenal almost at their best

Arsène Wenger remains convinced Arsenal are “95 per cent” of the way to finding their best form, despite a poor showing in the fortunate win at Anderlecht this week. “We could be more efficient offensively and defensively, but that will come,” the Frenchman said. “I can understand that because there are players who are new.” Arsenal visit Sunderland this afternoon.

Shocked Nadal to miss ATP finals

Rafael Nadal last night ruled himself out of next month’s ATP World Tour Finals after opting to have surgery to remove his appendix. The Spaniard revealed his decision after being shocked in the quarter-finals of the Swiss Indoors, losing in straight sets to 17-year-old Croat Borna Coric.

Costa given chance to face Man United

Chelsea will give striker Diego Costa every opportunity to prove his fitness ahead of tomorrow’s trip to Manchester United. The Spaniard has been suffering from a virus this week which required hospital treatment but has “a little chance of playing”, according to manager Jose Mourinho. Tomorrow’s match pits the Portuguese against United coach Louis van Gaal for just the second time.

Rubber bullets were fired at Everton fans

French police yesterday per- formed a U-turn and admitted they used rubber bullets against Everton fans before Thursday’s Europa League match in Lille.

A spokesman said officers had missiles thrown at them so used a stun grenade and rubber bullets to “drive back the rioters” in the city’s main square. Disturbances took place on Wednesday and Thursday before the match, which ended goalless.