Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand insists his off-field interests are not a distraction.
Ferdinand knows critics point to his successful businesses as a way to question his commitment.
"Look, a lot of people say I do too much stuff off the pitch, that I'm not concentrating on my game," he told the Telegraph. "But it's all guided by Man United. I run everything by them. It may seem I'm spending a lot of time on something, that I'm there, away from football. But you'd be surprised what you can do by email.
"The fact I have interests outside football, I think it helps me as a player. A lot of problems players get in to stem from boredom, too much time on their hands. I try to do something a bit constructive with my time. But I make sure football comes first. I can assure you I spend more time on the training ground than I ever have in my life. I had two years blighted by injury. I know I have to work harder to remain fitter."
