I’m cursed, says ‘shattered’ Rio Ferdinand

England captain Rio Ferdinand has said that he is cursed after his dreams of lifting the World Cup were shattered by a knee injury.

Ferdinand damaged his left-knee ligaments while tussling for the ball with Emile Heskey during the training session.

England’s medical staff rushed the 31-year-old to hospital, where he was given the devastating news that he will be out of action for up to six weeks.

Talking to reporters Ferdinand’s agent Pini Zahavi said, "Rio said, ‘I think somebody cursed me’. That is honestly how he feels. Rio is very down. He cannot understand why this has happened to him."

It was England’s first full-training session since arriving in South Africa, and caps a miserable season for the Manchester United defender.

A back injury had kept him out of the Premier League for most of the season. Zahavi, however, said that the current injury has nothing to do with the ones he had before.

“It is completely different and it is very bad luck. Rio was feeling sharp and was ready for the World Cup,” The Sun quoted Zahavi, as saying.

“He has waited so long for this tournament and to try and help England win it. He had prepared himself so well, but he is a very strong man and he will be back. I'm sure he will be leading England in four years time at the next World Cup,” he added.