Rio Ferdinand has made an admission about former Rangers striker Jermain Defoe back when he was a regular for the England side.
Defoe made 57 appearances for the Three Lions and found the back of the net on 20 occasions for his country.
He enjoyed a decorated playing career as he represented a number of Premier League clubs and also had a stint at Rangers before becoming a coach at Ibrox as well.
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Rio Ferdinand reveals why Jermain Defoe once lost it at David Nugent
Ferdinand has revealed that Defoe was enraged by David Nugent when he touched the ball before it went into the back of the net to steal the goal off the former Rangers striker.
The Manchester United legend was speaking in defence of Cristiano Ronaldo hating when his teammates get the credit over him, and revealed that Defoe, and a lot of other strikers, are the same.
The ex centre-back was speaking about England’s 2-0 win against Andorra back in 2007, which was a Euro 2008 qualifying game.
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Defoe’s goal-bound shot was clearly heading into the goal, but Nugent managed to get a touch on it at the last second, which saw him being credited with the goal.
The former Gers forward was fuming on the flight back home as he wanted the goal to go into his account and not Nugent’s.
Ferdinand said on Rio Presents: “I was on a plane with England on the way back from a game, and David Nugent nicked one of Defoe’s goals.
“It was going in and he nicked it on the line. Jermain Defoe wanted to kill him.
“Was almost crying on the plane because: ‘Why’s he took my goal?’
“This is strikers. This is how they live and breathe.”
How Defoe is remembered by Rangers fans
Rangers fans remember Defoe fondly as a club hero and icon for his selfless efforts in the title-winning season under Steven Gerrard.
Not only did he score on his debut for the Light Blues, but he played a key role in the 4-1 win over Celtic, a game that the Ibrox faithful will not forget for a while.
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He was also appreciated for his attitude, as there was so much more to him than a striker who liked scoring goals.
Defoe was a solid dressing-room presence, interacted with fans whenever he got the chance and showed genuine respect for the club’s culture and expectations.
If he does become a full-time manager and achieves success, there would not be too many Rangers fans who would not want him back at Ibrox.
