Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand is helping youth employment in Manchester.
Ferdinand, 35, agreed to take on apprentices at his trendy restaurant so they can be taught tricks of the culinary trade.
Ferdinand, who is out of contract at the end of the season but has been assured he still has a part to play by boss David Moyes, showed off first apprentice Rhys Owen, 18, at his Rosso eaterie as part of a scheme by Britain's biggest further education college to place 50 local young people into jobs in five days.
Former soldier Rhys Owen, 18, from Heywood said: "This is a great opportunity - food is my passion and I love cooking.
"After spending years cooking for family and friends I can't wait to get started working in a professional kitchen under a great chef."
