Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson has revealed that centre-back Rio Ferdinand does yoga to aid chronic back problems.
The England defender has suffered with a spate of injuries in recent years and has taken to the spiritual discipline in an attempt to ease the pressure on his spine.
Ferguson also admitted that he has told the 33-year-old that he's not the player he once was in an interview with BBC Radio Five Live.
"Rio Ferdinand is a really important figure at the club and great with the younger players," said the 70-year-old. "But I've had to tell him he's not the player he used to be and that he can't expect to be.
"I said 'You've had the back injuries and you need to take care of that,' and he has. He does yoga now and has taken a step back. He's in as good form as ever now."
Ferdinand has made 256 appearances for the Red Devils.
